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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N2 — Upper-intermediate B2 › JLPT N2 Lessons ›

JLPT N2 Lesson 1: Written Japanese vs Spoken

Overview Transitioning from N3 to N2 requires a fundamental shift in how you perceive Japanese style. While N3 focuses on general communication, N2 demands the ability to distinguish between kōgotai (spoken style) and buntai (written style). Understanding these differences is essential for reading newspaper editorials, academic reports, and professional correspondence, as well as for passing the JLPT reading and listening sections. In this lesson, we will explore the structural differences...

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JLPT N3 — Vocabulary (~2,250 New Words)

N3 vocabulary (~3,750 cumulative words, ~2,250 new beyond N4) marks the shift from basic daily vocabulary to abstract, professional, and academic language. Many N3 words are Chinese-origin compound nouns (漢語, kango) — learning to recognize kanji components becomes essential. This page organizes all N3-level vocabulary by semantic domain. How N3 Vocabulary Differs from N4 At N4, most vocabulary is concrete: food, directions, actions, simple adjectives. N3 introduces: Abstract nouns :...

下 — Kanji Reference

下 Property Value Meaning down, below Strokes 3 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) カ、ゲ Kun-reading (訓読み) した、さ-がる、くだ-る Radical 一 (ichi - one) Stroke Order The stroke order for 下 follows the standard rule of top-to-bottom, left-to-right. Stroke 1 : A short vertical line starting from the top center. Stroke 2 : A horizontal line starting from the left, crossing the bottom of the first stroke. Stroke 3 : A short...

Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N2 — Upper-intermediate B2 › JLPT N2 — Grammar (~200+ patterns) ›

〜とは限らない — JLPT N2 Grammar

Pattern 〜とは限らない / 〜とは限りません (to wa kagiranai / to wa kagirimasen) Structure Verb (plain form) + とは限らない I-adjective (plain form) + とは限らない Na-adjective + だ/である + とは限らない Noun + だ/である + とは限らない Often preceded by 必ずしも (not necessarily) for emphasis Formality Level Neutral to formal — used in both spoken and written Japanese. Common in academic argumentation, editorial writing, logical reasoning. Meaning "Is not necessarily X," "is not always X,"...

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間 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 間 12 N5 門 gate Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) カン/ケン kan/ken Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) あいだ/ま aida/ma between; interval; space Meanings interval between space time Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 時間じかん jikan time / duration N5 間あいだ aida between / among N5 人間にんげん ningen human being N4 週間しゅうかん shuukan week (duration) N5 空間くうかん...

入 — Kanji Reference

入 Property Value Meaning enter Strokes 2 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) ニュウ Kun-reading (訓読み) い-る、い-れる、はい-る Radical 入 (Iru) - U+5165 Stroke Order The kanji 入 is written in two strokes: Stroke 1: A short, diagonal stroke starting from the top right and moving down to the left. Stroke 2: A longer, sweeping stroke starting from the left, moving down, and curving slightly to the right. Note: Unlike the kanji...

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Nature Vocabulary

Nature vocabulary is rich in Japanese culture, deeply tied to the four seasons, haiku traditions, and appreciation of natural beauty (mono no aware). Many nature words appear in N5–N3 JLPT material. Weather Japanese Reading Romaji English 天気てんき tenki weather 天気予報てんきよほう tenki yohou weather forecast 晴れはれ hare sunny; clear 曇りくもり kumori cloudy; overcast 雨あめ ame rain 雪ゆき yuki snow 台風たいふう taifuu typhoon 嵐あらし...

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JLPT N3 — Exam Preparation

The JLPT N3 is held twice a year (July and December) and requires more strategic preparation than N4. The reading section is substantially longer, listening passages are faster and more natural, and grammar questions test nuance rather than just recognition. This page provides everything you need for the final 90 days before your exam. N3 Exam Format Section Time Points Pass Threshold Language Knowledge (Vocabulary) 30 min 0–60 pts ≥...

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男 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 男 7 N5 田 rice field Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ダン/ナン dan/nan Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) おとこ otoko man; male Meanings man male Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 男おとこ otoko man N5 男性だんせい dansei male / man (formal) N5 男の子おとこのこ otoko no ko boy N5 長男ちょうなん chounan eldest son N4 男子だんし danshi male...

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六 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 六 4 N5 八 eight/divide Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ロク roku Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) むっ-つ mut-tsu six (native count) Meanings six Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 六人ろくにん rokunin six people N5 六月ろくがつ rokugatsu June N5 六日むいか muika sixth (of month) N5 六時ろくじ rokuji 6 o'clock N5 六十ろくじゅう rokujuu sixty N5 Stroke Order...

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N4 Kanji: 交 (Mix, Exchange, Traffic)

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〜ものがある (there is a quality of — ineffable characteristic)

〜ものがある Formality Level: Semi-formal — essays, criticism, formal commentary, literary prose Classical Origin: もの (物) in classical Japanese referred to things that have a tangible or intangible existence in the world. 〜ものがある literally means "there exists a 'thing' [= quality/property] [in X]." The pattern expresses that the speaker perceives a quality that is real and present but difficult to fully articulate — often used when something strikes the speaker as...

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JLPT N5 Lesson 10: Wanting and Planning

Overview In this lesson, we move beyond simple descriptions and start expressing our personal desires and future plans. Understanding how to communicate what you want to do and what you intend to do is a critical milestone for any N5 learner, as it allows you to engage in meaningful conversations about your life, travel, and daily activities. We will build upon your knowledge of verb conjugations to introduce the "want...

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Food Vocabulary

Food vocabulary is essential for daily life in Japan and appears frequently in N5–N4 JLPT material. Japanese food culture is rich and vocabulary-dense. Basic Food Vocabulary Japanese Reading Romaji English JLPT 食べ物たべもの tabemono food N5 飲み物のみもの nomimono drink; beverage N5 料理りょうり ryouri cooking; cuisine; dish N4 食事しょくじ shokuji meal N4 朝ご飯あさごはん asagohan breakfast N5 昼ご飯ひるごはん hirugohan lunch N5 夕ご飯ゆうごはん yuugohan dinner N5 おやつ...

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JLPT N2 Lesson 2: Formal Conjunction Mastery I

Overview In the JLPT N2 curriculum, shifting from casual to formal communication is essential. This lesson focuses on four critical conjunction patterns used to describe the foundation or standard upon which an action is taken. These structures— ni motodzuku , ni shitagau , ni sou , and o moto ni —are staples in business reports, legal documents, and formal presentations. By mastering these, you will move beyond basic "because" (...

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〜とたんに — JLPT N3 Grammar

Pattern: 〜とたんに / 〜とたん Structure: Verb (plain past た-form) + とたん(に) Formality: Standard (mostly spoken; also in narrative writing) Meaning: "the moment ~, just as ~, the instant ~ happened" Explanation 〜とたんに describes an instantaneous, often unexpected change that occurs the very moment a preceding action is completed. The result is typically: Sudden and involuntary Surprising or unintended Something that happens naturally/spontaneously (not a deliberate action) Critical rule: The result...

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JLPT N2 — 10 Structured Lessons

These 10 lessons are designed for learners who have passed N3 (or equivalent) and are systematically building toward N2. Each lesson focuses on a practical competency area, combining explanation, targeted examples, and drills. Prerequisites : JLPT N3 level grammar and vocabulary (~3,750 words), ability to read hiragana/katakana fluently, solid grasp of particles and basic verb forms. Lesson 1: Mastering Formal Written Japanese The Divide Between Written and Spoken Japanese Japanese...

Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N3 — Pre-intermediate B1 › JLPT N3 Lessons ›

JLPT N3 Lesson 4: Complex Conjunctions II — Change and Proportion

Overview Japanese has a sophisticated set of expressions for describing how one thing changes in proportion or response to another. These "change and proportion" patterns are a cornerstone of formal and analytical language in Japanese. When a news anchor says 「経済の成長に従い、雇用も増加した」(As the economy grew, employment also increased), they are using a grammatical structure that elegantly encodes a proportional relationship. These patterns are essential for writing reports, discussing trends, and interpreting...

Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N2 — Upper-intermediate B2 › JLPT N2 — Grammar (~200+ patterns) ›

〜に従い / 〜に従って — JLPT N2 Grammar

Pattern 〜に従い / 〜に従って (ni shitagai / ni shitagatte) Structure Noun + に従い / に従って (compliance meaning) Verb (dictionary form) + に従い / に従って (compliance meaning) Noun + に従い / に従って (gradual change meaning — with change verbs) Formality Level Formal — common in legal texts, manuals, official instructions, business correspondence. 〜に従い is slightly more formal than 〜に従って. Meanings Meaning A — Compliance/Following (the main use): "In accordance with X,"...

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〜まじき — JLPT N1 Grammar

〜まじき Formality Level: Literary / Formal written — legal commentary, journalism (editorial condemnation), formal written criticism, literary fiction Classical/Literary Origin: まじき is the attributive (連体形) form of the classical auxiliary まじ, which is the negative counterpart of べし ("should, must"). While べし expresses obligation or strong likelihood, まじ expresses that something should not happen or is not befitting . The attributive form まじき modifies a following noun, creating the meaning...

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円 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 円 4 N5 囗 enclosure Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) エン en Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) まる-い maru-i round; circle Meanings yen (currency) circle round Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 円えん en Japanese yen N5 百円ひゃくえん hyaku-en 100 yen N5 円いまるい marui round / circular N5 円高えんだか endaka strong yen N3 半円はんえん han-en semicircle...

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JLPT Levels

JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test / 日本語能力試験 Nihongo Nōryoku Shiken) is the official Japanese proficiency certification, administered jointly by the Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES). It is the most widely recognized Japanese certificate globally, accepted by employers, universities, and immigration authorities in Japan and abroad. All Five Levels Level Vocab (approx.) Kanji Grammar Points CEFR Hours Band N5 ~800 words 103 ~100 patterns A1 150–300 Beginner...

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話 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 話 13 N5 言 speech/word Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ワ wa Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) はな-す/はなし hana-su/hanashi to talk; talk/story Meanings talk speak story conversation Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 話すはなす hanasu to speak / talk N5 電話でんわ denwa telephone N5 話し合うはなしあう hanashiau to discuss N4 昔話むかしばなし mukashibanashi old tale / folktale N4 会話...

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考える (かんがえる) — Japanese Vocabulary

考える — かんがえる (kangaeru) Part of speech: verb-ru (Ichidan verb) JLPT level: N4 Reading: かんがえる (kangaeru) Meaning: to think, consider Word Breakdown The word 考える is composed of the kanji 考 followed by the okurigana える . 考 (kō / kanga-eru): This kanji represents the idea of "thought," "consideration," or "examination." It depicts an old man (老) with a cane, suggesting wisdom and the act of pondering over time. All...

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明 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 明 8 N5 日 sun/day Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) メイ/ミョウ mei/myou Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) あか-るい/あ-かり/あ-く aka-rui/a-kari/a-ku bright; light up Meanings bright clear tomorrow dawn Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 明日あした/あす ashita/asu tomorrow N5 明るいあかるい akarui bright / cheerful N5 説明せつめい setsumei explanation N4 明治めいじ Meiji Meiji (era) N4 透明とうめい toumeii transparent N3...

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出 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 出 5 N5 凵 container Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) シュツ/スイ shutsu/sui Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) で-る/だ-す de-ru/da-su to exit; to take out Meanings exit go out come out take out Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 出るでる deru to exit / leave N5 出すだす dasu to take out / submit N5 出口でぐち deguchi exit N5 出発...

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〜だけでなく〜も — JLPT N3 Grammar

Pattern: 〜だけでなく〜も Structure: Noun / Verb (plain) / Adj + だけでなく + [additional item] + も Often: AだけでなくBも [predicate] Formality: Standard (spoken and formal writing) Meaning: "not only A but also B" Explanation 〜だけでなく〜も expands the scope beyond what was expected or assumed. A alone would already be notable, but B is added as an additional, unexpected element. The も after B marks it as "also" — emphasizing its inclusion....

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前 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 前 9 N5 刀 knife Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ゼン zen Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) まえ mae before; front; ago Meanings before front previous ago Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 前まえ mae before / in front N5 午前ごぜん gozen AM / before noon N5 名前なまえ namae name N5 駅前えきまえ ekimae in front of the...

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〜すら / 〜でさえ (even — register distinction)

〜すら / 〜でさえ Formality Level: すら = Literary/Formal; でさえ = Semi-formal; さえ = Neutral; でも = Casual Classical Origin: すら is one of the oldest particles in Japanese, appearing in the Man'yoshu (8th century) and Kokinwakashu (905 CE). In classical Japanese, すら marked "even X (the minimum or most unexpected element on a scale)." The Heian poet Fujiwara no Teika used it to mark extreme emotional states: "even the spring...

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N4 Kanji: 暑 (Hot (weather))

分 — Kanji Reference

分 Property Value Meaning minute, part Strokes 4 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) ブン、フン、ブ Kun-reading (訓読み) わ-ける、わ-かる Radical 刀 (Katana/Sword) - U+5200 Stroke Order The kanji 分 follows standard Japanese calligraphy rules: top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Stroke 1: The top horizontal line (left to right). Stroke 2: The short downward stroke (撇) starting from the center of the first stroke. Stroke 3: The left side of the bottom component (刀), a...

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複雑な (ふくざつな) — Japanese Vocabulary

複雑な — ふくざつな (fukuzatsu na) Part of speech: adj-na JLPT level: N4 Reading: ふくざつな (fukuzatsu na) Meaning: complicated, complex Word Breakdown 複 (fuku): To repeat, double, or compound. On-yomi: フク (fuku) Kun-yomi: かさ.なる (kasa.naru - to overlap) 雑 (zatsu): Miscellaneous, rough, or mixed. On-yomi: ザツ (zatsu), ゾウ (zou) Kun-yomi: まじ.る (maji.ru - to be mixed) Together, the kanji literally describe things that are "doubled and mixed," resulting in something intricate...

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JLPT N5 Lesson 5: Existence and Location

Overview Two of the most fundamental verbs in Japanese are あります and います, both translating roughly as "there is" or "to exist." The key distinction is straightforward but absolutely essential: あります is used for inanimate objects, plants, and abstract things, while います is used for animate beings — people, animals, and anything capable of moving on its own. Getting this distinction right is one of the most important skills at...

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N4 Kanji: 会 (Meet, Gather)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 会 Strokes 6 Radical 人 (person) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi カイ、エ kai, e Kun-yomi あ・う、あわせる a-u, awa-seru Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English 会うあう au to meet 社会しゃかい shakai society 会話かいわ kaiwa conversation 会議かいぎ kaigi meeting, conference 機会きかい kikai opportunity, chance Stroke Order Top horizontal line (short) Left-leaning stroke (like ノ) Short vertical stroke through center Left...

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鳥 — JLPT N5 Kanji

鳥 JLPT Level: N5 | Strokes: 11 | Radical: 鳥 (bird) Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On-yomi チョウ choo bird in compounds Kun-yomi とり tori bird Meanings Bird Chicken (as food: 鶏肉 is often shortened to とり) Poultry Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 鳥とり tori bird N5 小鳥ことり kotori small bird N5 鶏肉とりにく toriniku chicken (meat) N5 野鳥やちょう yachoo wild bird N4 鳥居とりい torii...

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中 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 中 4 N5 囗 enclosure Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) チュウ chuu Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) なか naka inside; middle; center Meanings inside middle center China Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 中なか naka inside / middle N5 中国ちゅうごく Chuugoku China N5 中学校ちゅうがっこう chuugakkou middle school N5 中心ちゅうしん chuushin center / core N4 途中とちゅう tochuu...

何 — Kanji Reference

何 Property Value Meaning what Strokes 7 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) カ Kun-reading (訓読み) なに、なん Radical 亻 (人) - Person [U+4EBB] Stroke Order The stroke order follows the standard rule of top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Stroke 1 : The vertical line of the person radical (left side). Stroke 2 : The slanted line of the person radical. Stroke 3 : The top horizontal bar of the right component. Stroke 4...

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特別な (とくべつな) — Japanese Vocabulary

特別な — とくべつな (tokubetsu na) Part of speech: adj-na (adjectival noun) JLPT level: N4 Reading: とくべつな (tokubetsu na) Meaning: special; particular; extraordinary Word Breakdown 特 (とく / toku): Special; particular. (On-yomi: トク) 別 (べつ / betsu): Separate; different; exception. (On-yomi: ベツ | Kun-yomi: わか.れる) Together, 特別 (tokubetsu) refers to something that is "separated" from the ordinary, hence "special." All Readings 特: On-yomi: トク (Used in tokubetsu ) Kun-yomi: N/A 別:...

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JLPT N4 Lesson 9: Noun Modification and Nominalizers

Overview Noun modification is the ability to take a full sentence or clause and use it to describe a noun — the same way English uses relative clauses like "the book that I bought" or "the person who called." In Japanese, all modification goes before the noun it modifies, and the modifying clause must be in plain form . This pre-nominal modification system is one of the most important structural...

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〜は — Topic Marker

〜は Property Value Pattern 〜は JLPT Level N5 Type particle / topic-marker Formality Neutral Register Both Meaning Marks the topic of the sentence. The topic can be the grammatical subject or any other element the speaker wants to comment on. Everything after は says something about that topic. Structure Formula [Topic] + は + [Comment / Predicate] Usage Notes は is written with the hiragana は but pronounced "wa" when...

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〜はずだ — Japanese Grammar

〜はずだ Property Value Pattern 〜はずだ JLPT Level N4 Type expectation Formality Neutral Register Both Meaning The pattern 〜はずだ (hazu da) expresses a strong expectation or logical conclusion based on a reason or evidence. It translates to "should," "ought to," or "it is expected that." It is used when the speaker is confident that something is true or will happen because of the information they possess. Structure Formula [Verb dictionary form]...

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N4 Kanji: 員 (Member, Employee)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 員 Strokes 10 Radical 口 (mouth) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi イン in Kun-yomi — (no kun-yomi) — Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English 社員しゃいん shain company employee 会員かいいん kaiin member 店員てんいん ten'in shop staff 全員ぜんいん zen'in all members, everyone 委員いいん iin committee member Stroke Order 口 at top. 2-7. 貝 (shell/money) below. Mnemonic A mouth (口) on...

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〜ように — Japanese Grammar

〜ように Property Value Pattern 〜ように JLPT Level N4 Type purpose Formality Neutral Register Both (Spoken and Written) Meaning The pattern 〜ように is used to express a goal, purpose, or a desired state. It translates to "so that," "in order to," or "for the purpose of." It is frequently used with verbs of potential, negative verbs, or stative verbs to describe a condition one is trying to achieve or maintain. Structure...

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Kanji

Kanji (漢字, literally "Han characters") are Chinese-derived logographic characters used in Japanese writing. They are the single biggest challenge in learning Japanese, requiring years of systematic study. This guide explains the kanji system, the key lists, reading types, and the most effective learning methods. The Scale of the Problem List Count What it means Joyo kanji (常用漢字) 2,136 Officially required for functional adult literacy in Japan Kyoiku kanji (教育漢字) 1,026...

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JLPT N4 Lesson 3: Giving and Receiving

Overview One of the most socially nuanced areas of Japanese grammar is the system of giving and receiving verbs . Unlike English, which uses a single verb "give" regardless of social direction, Japanese distinguishes three separate verbs — あげる, もらう, and くれる — based on the speaker's social position relative to giver and receiver. The crucial rule: direction toward the speaker or speaker's in-group uses くれる; direction away from the...

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千 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 千 3 N5 十 ten Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) セン sen Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) ち chi thousand (archaic) Meanings thousand Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 千円せんえん sen-en 1,000 yen N5 三千さんぜん sanzen 3,000 N5 千葉ちば Chiba Chiba (place name) N5 二千にせん nisen 2,000 N5 千人せんにん sennin 1,000 people N5 Stroke Order Short...

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N4 Kanji: 練 (Practice, Train, Knead)

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〜につれて — JLPT N2 Grammar

Pattern V-dictionary form + につれて Noun + につれて〜につれ (formal/written abbreviation) The verb or noun before につれて describes a gradual change or progression. The main clause describes a corresponding change that occurs in parallel. Formality Standard to Formal . につれて is used in both formal writing and conversation, though it sounds slightly literary. It is commonly found in essays, journalism, and formal speech. In very casual registers, 〜にしたがって or 〜ていくと...

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Japanese is spoken by ~125 million people, primarily in Japan, and is one of the most rewarding — and most challenging — languages for English speakers to learn. This guide covers everything from zero to near-native: the three writing systems, JLPT vocabulary and kanji by level, grammar patterns, all nine skills, and the best resources available. Quick Start (Week 1) Install Jisho — the best free Japanese-English dictionary (web +...

川 — Kanji Reference

川 Property Value Meaning river Strokes 3 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) セン Kun-reading (訓読み) かわ Radical 川 (kawa - river) [U+5DDD] Stroke Order The kanji 川 is written in 3 strokes, following the standard rule of writing from left to right. Stroke 1: A short vertical stroke starting from the top left, curving slightly downward. Stroke 2: A longer vertical stroke in the middle, starting slightly higher than the...

父 — Kanji Reference

父 Property Value Meaning father Strokes 4 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) フ Kun-reading (訓読み) ちち Radical 父 (chichi - father) [U+7236] Stroke Order The kanji 父 is written in 4 strokes following standard top-to-bottom, left-to-right rules: Stroke 1: A short diagonal stroke starting from the top center, moving down to the left. Stroke 2: A short diagonal stroke starting from the top center, moving down to the right. Stroke...

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〜が最後 — JLPT N1 Grammar

〜が最後 Formality Level: Literary / Formal — literary fiction, formal narrative, formal warnings, idiom-rich writing Classical/Literary Origin: が最後 uses the subject marker が and 最後 (last, final). The construction means "that [moment] being the last [chance/state before irreversible change]." It is a set idiomatic pattern in Japanese expressing that once the action in the preceding clause occurs, the situation cannot be reversed — what follows is unavoidable and typically negative....

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〜べく / 〜べきだ / 〜べきではない — JLPT N2 Grammar

Patterns 〜べく (formal purpose: "in order to") 〜べきだ / 〜べき (should/ought to — moral/logical obligation) 〜べきではない (should not) Structure 〜べく: Verb (dictionary form) + べく Irregular: する → すべく (more formal/literary) or するべく (modern) 〜べきだ: Verb (dictionary form) + べきだ / べきである (formal) Irregular: する → すべきだ or するべきだ Formality Level 〜べく: Highly formal/literary — legal documents, old-fashioned formal writing, historical texts, official speeches. 〜べきだ: Formal — editorial writing, academic...

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〜ばかりでなく — JLPT N3 Grammar

Pattern: 〜ばかりでなく Structure: Noun / Verb (plain) / Adjective + ばかりでなく + [additional] + も Formality: Formal / Written Meaning: "not only ~, but also ~" (more emphatic than 〜だけでなく) Explanation 〜ばかりでなく has the same basic meaning as 〜だけでなく〜も — "not only A, but also B" — but it is distinctly more formal and emphatic . It appears primarily in: Written reports and academic papers Formal speeches News articles Official...

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N4 Kanji: 書 (Write, Book)

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〜だに — JLPT N1 Grammar

〜だに Formality Level: Literary / Archaic formal — classical literature, formal written Japanese, elevated literary fiction, proverbs Classical/Literary Origin: だに is a classical Japanese particle of emphasis, related to the modern さえ and すら. In classical Japanese (奈良時代〜平安時代), だに indicated the minimal case: "even X (the least of all cases)." It appears in the Man'yōshū and Genji Monogatari . In modern Japanese it has two residual uses: one with verbs...

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〜をもって — JLPT N1 Grammar

〜をもって Formality Level: Formal / Written — official announcements, legal documents, ceremonial speech, formal notices Classical/Literary Origin: をもって derives from classical Japanese をもちて, the te-form of もつ ("to have, to hold") preceded by the object marker を. In classical texts it expressed the means or instrument by which an action is performed: "holding X, by means of X." The modern form をもって has become a fixed formal expression used in...

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〜てください — Please Do ~

Properties Property Value Level JLPT N5 Form te-form compound Register Polite Meaning 〜てください expresses a polite request or instruction, equivalent to "please do ~" in English. It is used when asking someone to perform an action in a direct but courteous manner. This form is appropriate in most everyday situations — with teachers, shop staff, colleagues, and strangers. Structure Positive request (please do ~) [Verb te-form] + ください Negative request...

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JLPT N4 — Vocabulary

This page covers all new vocabulary introduced at the N4 level — approximately 700 words beyond the N5 foundation, bringing the cumulative total to ~1,500 words. Words are organized by semantic category. All N5 vocabulary is assumed known. Abstract Nouns and Concepts Japanese Reading Romaji English Part of Speech Notes 意味いみ imi meaning; significance Noun very frequent 理由りゆう riyuu reason; cause Noun 目的もくてき mokuteki purpose; objective Noun...

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〜のみならず — JLPT N2 Grammar

Pattern 〜のみならず (nomi narazu) Structure Noun + のみならず Verb (plain form) + のみならず I-adjective (plain form) + のみならず Na-adjective + である + のみならず (formal) Formality Level Highly formal — primarily written Japanese. Academic papers, official reports, government announcements, newspaper editorials. The spoken/informal equivalent is 〜だけでなく. Meaning "Not only X, but also Y." Expands the scope of a statement beyond what was initially stated, adding Y as an additional scope. The...

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〜ずにはいられない — JLPT N2 Grammar

Pattern 〜ずにはいられない / 〜ずにはいられません (zu ni wa irarenai) Structure Verb (negative stem/ず-form) + にはいられない Formation: Take the verb ない-form, replace ない with ず → add にはいられない泣く → 泣か(ない) → 泣かず + にはいられない → 泣かずにはいられない笑う → 笑わ(ない) → 笑わず + にはいられない → 笑わずにはいられない Irregular: する → せ + ずにはいられない → せずにはいられない Formality Level Neutral to formal — used in both spoken and written Japanese. The literary/poetic quality makes it...

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JLPT N3 Lesson 8: Workplace and Formal Japanese

Overview Workplace Japanese is one of the most practically important domains at the N3 level. Even if you never plan to work in Japan, N3 reading passages frequently feature formal business communication: emails, meeting notes, reports, and phone call exchanges. More importantly, the grammar patterns of workplace Japanese—particularly polite request forms and the basics of keigo (敬語, honorific speech)—serve as a gateway to the full N2 and N1 honorific system....

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Katakana Complete Reference

Complete reference for all katakana characters and loanword transcription patterns. See the katakana skill guide for the learning strategy and confusable pairs. Base Katakana (46 characters) a i u e o ∅ ア (a) イ (i) ウ (u) エ (e) オ (o) k カ (ka) キ (ki) ク (ku) ケ (ke) コ (ko) s サ (sa) シ (shi) ス (su) セ (se) ソ (so) t タ (ta) チ (chi) ツ...

聞 — Kanji Reference

聞 Property Value Meaning hear, ask Strokes 14 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) ブン (bun)、モン (mon) Kun-reading (訓読み) き-く (ki-ku)、き-こえる (ki-koeru) Radical 門 (もん - gate) [U+9580] Stroke Order The kanji 聞 is written by first constructing the outer 門 (gate) radical, followed by the 耳 (ear) component inside. Stroke 1: Left vertical line of the gate. Stroke 2: Top horizontal and right vertical corner of the gate. Stroke 3:...

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東 — JLPT N5 Kanji

東 JLPT Level: N5 | Strokes: 8 | Radical: 木 (tree) Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On-yomi トウ too east in compounds Kun-yomi ひがし higashi east Meanings East Eastern Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 東ひがし higashi east N5 東京とうきょう Tookyoo Tokyo N5 東口ひがしぐち higashiguchi east exit N5 東洋とうよう tooyoo the East, Orient N3 東南とうなん toonan southeast N4 Stroke Order 1-4. 木 (tree) component: horizontal,...

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〜に応じて — JLPT N3 Grammar

Pattern: 〜に応じて / 〜に応じた Structure: Noun + に応じて / Noun + に応じた + Noun (attributive) Formality: Formal / Business Meaning: "in response to ~, according to ~, adapted to ~, depending on ~" Explanation 〜に応じて expresses an adaptive, appropriate response to conditions, needs, or demands. It carries the nuance that something is deliberately adjusted or tailored to fit varying circumstances. The response is intentional — you are responding appropriately to...

右 — Kanji Reference

右 Property Value Meaning right Strokes 5 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) ウ (u)、ユウ (yū) Kun-reading (訓読み) みぎ (migi) Radical 口 (kuchi - mouth) [U+53E3] Stroke Order The kanji 右 follows the rule of writing horizontal strokes before vertical strokes that intersect them. Stroke 1 : The short horizontal stroke at the top left. Stroke 2 : The long vertical stroke that starts from the top and turns to form...

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八 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 八 2 N5 八 eight/divide Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ハチ hachi Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) やっ-つ yat-tsu eight (native count) Meanings eight Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 八人はちにん hachinin eight people N5 八月はちがつ hachigatsu August N5 八日ようか youka eighth (of month) N5 八時はちじ hachiji 8 o'clock N5 八十はちじゅう hachijuu eighty N5 Stroke Order...

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経験 (けいけん) — Japanese Vocabulary

経験 — けいけん (keiken) Part of speech: noun, suru-verb JLPT level: N4 Reading: けいけん (keiken) Meaning: experience Word Breakdown 経 (KEI): To pass through, to undergo, to manage. On-yomi: ケイ (kei), キョウ (kyō) Kun-yomi: へる (heru), たつ (tatsu) 験 (KEN): To test, to verify, effect, evidence. On-yomi: ケン (ken), ゲン (gen) Kun-yomi: ためす (tamesu), あかし (akashi) Together, 経験 literally refers to "passing through a test/event," which forms the basis of...

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N4 Kanji: 強 (Strong, Force)

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JLPT N5 — Grammar (All ~100 Patterns)

All ~100 JLPT N5 grammar patterns are covered here. Each entry includes the structure formula , meaning , 3+ example sentences , and notes on common mistakes . 1. 〜は〜です (Noun + は + Noun/Adj + です) Structure : Noun₁ は Noun₂/Adjective です Meaning : "Noun₁ is Noun₂/Adj." — The copula for stating facts about the topic. Examples : 私は学生です。Watashi wa gakusei desu. — I am a student. これは本です。Kore wa...

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JLPT N1 Lesson 8: Subtle Nuance Distinctions

Overview The single most challenging question type on the JLPT N1 grammar section is the near-synonym discrimination task: four options that all seem grammatically acceptable, but only one fits the precise nuance, register, or evidence-type required by the sentence. These questions test not whether you know what each pattern roughly means — a competent N2 student often does — but whether you understand the subtle functional distinctions that separate them....

猫 — Kanji Reference

猫 Property Value Meaning cat Strokes 11 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) ビョウ Kun-reading (訓読み) ねこ Radical 犭 (けものへん - animal radical, U+72AD) Stroke Order The character follows the standard rule of top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Stroke 1 : Left side, short downward stroke. Stroke 2 : Left side, lower curve. Stroke 3 : Left side, final downward stroke (the "animal" radical). Stroke 4 : Top horizontal line of the right...

話 — Kanji Reference

話 Property Value Meaning talk, story Strokes 13 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) ワ Kun-reading (訓読み) はな-す、はなし Radical 言 (ごんべん - gonben) [U+8A00] Stroke Order The kanji 話 follows standard Japanese calligraphy rules: top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Left side (言): Horizontal stroke 1, followed by three short horizontal strokes 2, 3, 4, then a long horizontal base stroke 5. Then, the mouth (口) component: vertical 6, horizontal-vertical 7, horizontal 8. Right...

魚 — Kanji Reference

魚 Property Value Meaning fish Strokes 11 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) ギョ Kun-reading (訓読み) さかな、うお Radical 魚 (uo-hen) [U+9B5A] Stroke Order The kanji 魚 follows the standard rule of top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Stroke 1 : The top left "ノ" (slant). Stroke 2-4 : The top "口" shape (horizontal, then vertical/hook, then closing horizontal). Stroke 5-7 : The three horizontal lines in the middle. Stroke 8-11 : The four dots...

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JLPT N2 — Kanji (633 new, ~1,000 total at level)

N2 introduces approximately 633 new kanji beyond N3's 367, bringing the cumulative total to roughly 1,000 kanji recognized at this level. The N2 kanji jump is the largest in the JLPT system, and these characters skew heavily toward formal, written-language usage. You will rarely encounter many of them in daily casual conversation — they appear primarily in news, academic texts, formal correspondence, and professional settings. Key N2 strategy : At...

家 — Kanji Reference

家 Property Value Meaning house, family Strokes 10 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) カ、ケ Kun-reading (訓読み) いえ、や Radical 宀 (u-kanmuri / roof) [U+5B80] Stroke Order The kanji 家 follows the standard rules of top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Dot (top center) Dot (top right) Horizontal/Vertical hook (the roof) Dot (inside the roof) Horizontal (the start of the pig/animal component) Vertical Horizontal Diagonal left Diagonal right Dot (the final tail) Radical Analysis The...

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〜ため(に) — JLPT N3 Grammar

Pattern: 〜ため(に) Structure: Purpose: Verb (dictionary form) + ために → "in order to ~" Cause: Verb (plain past た) + ために / Noun + の + ため(に) → "because of ~, due to ~" Formality: Formal / Standard (preferred over から/ので in formal writing) Meaning: Purpose: "in order to ~" / Cause: "because of ~, due to ~" Explanation The critical distinction is determined by verb tense before ために: Dictionary...

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〜てくれる — Japanese Grammar

〜てくれる Property Value Pattern 〜てくれる JLPT Level N4 Type receiving Formality Neutral (Polite when conjugated as 〜てくれます) Register Both (Spoken and Written) Meaning The pattern 〜てくれる expresses that someone does a favor for the speaker or someone in the speaker's "in-group" (family, close friends, colleagues). It highlights the speaker's gratitude or the fact that a benefit was received. Structure Formula [Verb て-form] + くれる Conjugation: Take the verb in its...

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N4 Kanji: 院 (Institution, Building)

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〜ともあろう (for someone of one's standing to — indignation)

〜ともあろう Formality Level: Formal / Literary — formal criticism, editorial writing, formal speech Classical Origin: ともあろう derives from とも (inclusive particle と + も) + あろう (volitional/presumptive form of ある, "to be"). The literal meaning is something like "even for something that would be X" — implying that X sets a high standard that the subsequent action fails to meet. The pattern carries a strong evaluative charge: the speaker's expectation,...

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N4 Kanji: 寒 (Cold)

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〜をものともせず (undaunted by / not deterred by)

〜をものともせず Formality Level: Semi-formal / Literary — formal writing, literary prose, journalistic praise Classical Origin: ものともせず: もの (thing/matter — classical nominaliser) + とも (inclusive も with と) + せず (classical negative of する). Literally: "without making it a thing/matter" → treating a formidable obstacle as if it were nothing. The expression has a heroic, admiring quality — it praises the subject's courage or determination in the face of adversity. Structure...

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JLPT N4 — Kanji

This page lists all 181 kanji introduced at the N4 level, beyond the 103 kanji learned at N5. Together they bring the cumulative total to 284 kanji. They are grouped thematically for easier learning, with on-yomi (Chinese readings) in CAPITALS, kun-yomi (Japanese readings) in hiragana. Group 1: Society, Work, and Organizations Kanji Strokes On-yomi Kun-yomi Meaning Example Words 社 7 シャやしろ company; society; shrine 会社 (kaisha), 社員 (shain), 社会...

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聞 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 聞 14 N5 耳 ear Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ブン/モン bun/mon Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) き-く/き-こえる ki-ku/ki-koeru to hear; to listen; to ask Meanings hear listen ask Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 聞くきく kiku to listen / hear / ask N5 聞こえるきこえる kikoeru to be audible N5 新聞しんぶん shinbun newspaper N5 聞き手ききて kikite listener...

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JLPT N1 — 四字熟語 (Yojijukugo)

四字熟語 (yojijukugo) are four-character compound idioms — one of the most distinctive features of formal and literary Japanese. They appear directly in the N1 vocabulary section (typically 2–4 questions per exam) and throughout N1 reading passages. This page covers the 100 most important for N1. How to Use This Page Each entry includes: Reading : pronunciation in hiragana Literal : character-by-character meaning (illuminates the structure) Meaning : actual English equivalent...

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〜ものがある — JLPT N3 Grammar

Pattern: 〜ものがある Structure: Adjective (plain) / Verb (plain) + ものがある Formality: Standard to Formal Meaning: "there is something ~ about it, it has a quality that is ~" Explanation 〜ものがある is used to express that something has a deep, somewhat indefinable quality that the speaker senses or recognizes. It often implies that the speaker is making a personal, subjective evaluation, and that the quality in question is notable or impactful...

水 — Kanji Reference

水 Property Value Meaning water Strokes 4 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) スイ Kun-reading (訓読み) みず Radical 水 (mizu) U+6C34 Stroke Order The kanji 水 is written in 4 strokes. Follow the standard rule of top-to-bottom and left-to-right: Stroke 1: The vertical hook (tate-hane) in the center. Stroke 2: The short diagonal stroke on the upper left. Stroke 3: The long diagonal stroke on the lower left. Stroke 4: The...

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N4 Kanji: 者 (Person (by occupation))

Character Info Property Value Kanji 者 Strokes 8 Radical 耂 (old) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi シャ sha Kun-yomi もの mono Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English 医者いしゃ isha doctor 記者きしゃ kisha journalist 作者さくしゃ sakusha author, creator 患者かんじゃ kanja patient (medical) 若者わかもの wakamono young person Stroke Order 1-5. Top portion 土 and 日 combined. 6-8. Bottom 日 with additional strokes. Mnemonic An old...

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JLPT N3 — 10 Structured Lessons

These ten lessons are designed for learners who have completed N4-level study and are preparing for JLPT N3. Each lesson focuses on a real-world skill that directly maps to N3 exam question types and practical Japanese use. Work through them in order — later lessons build on earlier ones. Time per lesson : 2–3 hours (study + exercises) Prerequisites : N4 grammar and vocabulary; hiragana, katakana, ~284 kanji Lesson 1:...

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食 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 食 9 N5 食 eat/food Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ショク/ジキ shoku/jiki Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) た-べる/く-う ta-beru/ku-u to eat Meanings eat food Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 食べるたべる taberu to eat N5 食事しょくじ shokuji meal / dining N5 食べ物たべもの tabemono food N5 食堂しょくどう shokudou cafeteria / dining hall N5 夕食ゆうしょく yuushoku dinner (formal)...

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〜によって/〜による — JLPT N3 Grammar

Pattern: 〜によって / 〜により / 〜による Structure: Noun + によって / により (formal written) Noun + による + Noun (attributive) Formality: Formal / Written (especially 〜により) Meaning: Four uses — agent (by), means (through/by means of), cause (due to), variation (depending on) Explanation 〜によって is one of the most versatile patterns in N3. It covers four semantic roles: Agent (in passive constructions): who performed the action — 「この小説は夏目漱石によって書かれた」 Means/method :...

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地 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 地 6 N5 土 earth/soil Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) チ/ジ chi/ji Chinese-origin (音読み) Meanings ground earth place Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 地図ちず chizu map N5 地下ちか chika underground / basement N5 地球ちきゅう chikyuu Earth (planet) N4 土地とち tochi land N4 地元じもと jimoto local area / hometown N4 Stroke Order Left: 土 (earth,...

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N4 Kanji: 手 (Hand)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 手 Strokes 4 Radical 手 (itself) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi シュ shu Kun-yomi て、た te, ta Vocabulary | 手 | て | te | hand | | 手紙 | てがみ | tegami | letter | | 手伝う | てつだう | tetsudau | to help | | 上手 | じょうず | jōzu | skilled, good at | | 握手 | あくしゅ |...

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赤 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 赤 7 N5 赤 red Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) セキ/シャク seki/shaku Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) あか/あか-い aka/aka-i red Meanings red Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 赤いあかい akai red N5 赤ちゃんあかちゃん akachan baby / infant N5 赤道せきどう sekidou equator N3 赤字あかじ akaji deficit / red ink / loss N3 真っ赤まっか makka bright red /...

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〜たびに — JLPT N3 Grammar

Pattern: 〜たびに Structure: Verb (dictionary form) + たびに Noun + の + たびに Formality: Standard (spoken and written) Meaning: "every time ~, whenever ~" Explanation 〜たびに expresses a consistent, repeated pattern: every single time event/action A occurs, result/feeling B reliably follows. It emphasizes the regularity and consistency of the connection. It often carries emotional weight — a memory, a feeling, or a habitual response that always accompanies a recurring event....

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語 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 語 14 N5 言 speech/word Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ゴ go Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) かた-る kata-ru to talk; tell Meanings language word Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 日本語にほんご nihongo Japanese language N5 英語えいご eigo English language N5 語学ごがく gogaku language study N4 単語たんご tango word / vocabulary item N4 物語ものがたり monogatari story...

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海 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 海 9 N5 水 water Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) カイ kai Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) うみ umi sea; ocean Meanings sea ocean Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 海うみ umi sea / ocean N5 海岸かいがん kaigan coast / seashore N4 日本海にほんかい Nihon-kai Sea of Japan N4 海外かいがい kaigai overseas / abroad N4 海水かいすい kaisui...

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JLPT N2 Lesson 9: Newspaper and Academic Reading

Overview The JLPT N2 reading section tests your ability to extract meaning from dense, formal Japanese text under time pressure. Unlike N3, where the texts are relatively straightforward, N2 passages use passive voice hedging, nominalization, formal conjunctions, and academic distancing devices extensively. A reader who tries to parse every word will run out of time; a reader who cannot identify the key structural markers will misunderstand the author's stance. This...

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〜べし / 〜べからず (classical should / must not)

〜べし / 〜べからず Formality Level: Archaic / Literary — laws, school rules, mottos, formal declarations, literary prose Classical Origin: べし is one of the most important auxiliary verbs in classical Japanese ( 文語 ). It appears throughout the Manyoshu , the Kokinwakashu , Heian-period prose, medieval warrior codes, and Edo-period legal documents. べし derives from the adjective べき ( beki ) which itself comes from Old Japanese be-si expressing appropriateness,...

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〜と — And; With (Accompaniment)

Properties Property Value Level JLPT N5 Part of speech Particle Function Exhaustive listing; Accompaniment Meaning と has two core uses at the N5 level: Exhaustive listing of nouns — AとBとC means "A, B, and C" and implies the list is complete . Nothing else is included beyond what is stated. Accompaniment — 〜と or 〜と一緒に means "together with ~", indicating the person or thing you are with when doing an...

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JLPT N3 Lesson 7: Limits, Scope, and Contrast

Overview Japanese has a highly sophisticated system for expressing partial negation, unexpected contrast, and definitional limitation. These patterns are essential for nuanced communication: saying "it's not that I can't do it" is fundamentally different from saying "I can't do it," and getting this distinction right is crucial at N3 level. The patterns in this lesson allow you to restrict scope, deny assumptions, express unexpected contrast, and make emphatic assertions—all of...

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〜ておく — Japanese Grammar

〜ておく Property Value Pattern 〜ておく JLPT Level N4 Type preparation Formality Neutral Register Both Meaning The pattern 〜ておく (te-oku) is used to indicate that an action is performed in advance, as a preparation for a future event or to maintain a state for later use. It implies foresight and planning. Structure Formula [Verb te-form] + おく Conjugation: Take the te-form of any verb and attach おく (oku). Polite form: In...

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〜こそ / 〜だからこそ — JLPT N2 Grammar

Pattern 〜こそ / 〜だからこそ / 〜てこそ (koso / da kara koso / te koso) Structure Noun + こそ (emphatic focus on noun) Verb (て-form) + こそ (only by doing X can Y be achieved) 〜だからこそ (precisely because of this/that reason) 〜からこそ (precisely because — attaches to various forms) Formality Level All registers — こそ appears in casual speech, formal writing, official speeches. More emphatic uses tend toward formal/written. Meaning 〜こそ:...

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人 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 人 2 N5 人 person Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ジン/ニン jin/nin Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) ひと hito person; people Meanings person people human being Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 人ひと hito person N5 日本人にほんじん nihonjin Japanese person N5 三人さんにん sannin three people N5 外国人がいこくじん gaikokujin foreigner N5 大人おとな otona adult N5 Stroke Order...

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年 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 年 6 N5 干 dry/stem Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ネン nen Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) とし toshi year / age Meanings year Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 今年ことし kotoshi this year N5 来年らいねん rainen next year N5 去年きょねん kyonen last year N5 年齢ねんれい nenrei age N4 毎年まいとし/まいねん maitoshi/mainen every year N5 Stroke Order...

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N4 Kanji: 習 (Learn, Practice)

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学 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 学 8 N5 子 child Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ガク gaku Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) まな-ぶ mana-bu to learn; to study Meanings study learning science Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 学校がっこう gakkou school N5 大学だいがく daigaku university N5 学生がくせい gakusei student N5 学ぶまなぶ manabu to learn N4 勉強べんきょう benkyou study N5 Stroke Order...

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JLPT N2 Lesson 7: Time and Occasion Patterns

Overview In formal Japanese — official ceremonies, business announcements, academic presentations, and official correspondence — the precise timing and occasion of an action must be expressed with specific grammatical patterns. These patterns do more than indicate when something happened; they signal the formality of the occasion, the speaker's attitude toward the event, and whether the action is preparatory, consequential, or marking a significant boundary in time. Choosing the wrong pattern...

大 — Kanji Reference

大 Property Value Meaning big, large Strokes 3 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) ダイ、タイ Kun-reading (訓読み) おお、おお-きい Radical 大 (だい) - Big (U+5927) Stroke Order The kanji 大 is written in 3 strokes following standard top-to-bottom and left-to-right rules: Stroke 1 : A horizontal line drawn from left to right. Stroke 2 : A vertical stroke starting from the center of the first stroke, curving slightly to the left. Stroke...

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あまり (あまり) — Japanese Vocabulary

あまり — あまり (amari) Part of speech: adverb JLPT level: N4 Reading: あまり (amari) Meaning: not very; not much (+ negative verb) Word Breakdown The word あまり is most commonly written in hiragana. While it can be written with the kanji 余り , it is standard practice in modern Japanese to use hiragana for the adverbial usage. The kanji 余 (meaning "surplus" or "remainder") carries the on-yomi ヨ (yo) and...

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N4 Kanji: 番 (Number, Turn, Guard)

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決める (きめる) — Japanese Vocabulary

決める — きめる (kimeru) Part of speech: verb-ru (Ichidan verb) JLPT level: N4 Reading: きめる (kimeru) Meaning: to decide, to choose, to determine, to settle Word Breakdown 決 (Kanji): Meaning: Decide, fix, settle. On-yomi (音読み): ケツ (ketsu) Kun-yomi (訓読み): き.める (ki.meru), き.まる (ki.maru) The kanji 決 is composed of the water radical (氵) and the character for "fast/decisive" (夬). It originally referred to breaking a dam to let water flow,...

市 — Kanji Reference

市 Property Value Meaning city, market Strokes 5 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) シ Kun-reading (訓読み) いち Radical 巾 (はば・きん - cloth/towel) [U+5E05] Stroke Order The stroke order for 市 follows the standard rule of top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Stroke 1 : The top horizontal stroke (dot). Stroke 2 : The vertical line starting from the top, curving slightly left. Stroke 3 : The left vertical wall of the "cloth" radical....

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JLPT N5 Lesson 4: This and That — Demonstratives

Overview In Japanese, the demonstrative system—often called the "Ko-So-A-Do" system—is the backbone of spatial and object reference. Mastering these words is essential for N5 learners because they allow you to navigate your environment, ask for items in shops, and inquire about locations. Without these, you cannot effectively interact with your surroundings. This lesson builds upon your knowledge of basic sentence structures (AはBです) by introducing specific identifiers for things, places, and...

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気 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 気 6 N5 气 steam/air Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) キ/ケ ki/ke Chinese-origin (音読み) Meanings spirit energy feeling air atmosphere Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 天気てんき tenki weather N5 元気げんき genki healthy / energetic N5 気持ちきもち kimochi feeling / sensation N5 電気でんき denki electricity / light N5 病気びょうき byouki illness / disease N5 Stroke...

先 — Kanji Reference

先 Property Value Meaning before, ahead Strokes 6 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) セン Kun-reading (訓読み) さき Radical 儿 (human/legs) [U+513F] Stroke Order The stroke order for 先 follows the standard rule of top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Stroke 1 : The short horizontal line at the top. Stroke 2 : The second horizontal line, slightly longer than the first. Stroke 3 : The vertical line descending from the center of the...

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〜いかんによらず / 〜いかんにかかわらず (regardless of / irrespective of)

〜いかんによらず / 〜いかんにかかわらず Formality Level: Formal — legal texts, regulations, official announcements, formal academic writing Classical Origin: いかん ( ikan ) is a Sino-Japanese compound: 如何 ( rú hé in Mandarin), classical Chinese for "how it is / what the state of things is." It entered Japanese formal writing through kanbun scholarship. 〜いかんによらず means "regardless of what X is like" — unconditional applicability. The variant 〜いかんにかかわらず adds the additional emphatic...

八 — Kanji Reference

八 Property Value Meaning eight Strokes 2 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) ハチ Kun-reading (訓読み) や、や-つ、やっ-つ、よう Radical 八 (hachigashira - U+516B) Stroke Order Stroke 1: A short, downward-slanting stroke starting from the upper left. Stroke 2: A longer, downward-slanting stroke starting from the upper right, ending lower than the first stroke. General Rule: Follows the top-to-bottom, left-to-right principle. Ensure the two strokes do not touch at the top; they should...

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虫 — JLPT N5 Kanji

虫 JLPT Level: N5 | Strokes: 6 | Radical: 虫 (insect) Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On-yomi チュウ chuu insect in compounds Kun-yomi むし mushi insect, bug, worm Meanings Insect, bug Worm, creepy-crawly (Broadly) any small creature Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 虫むし mushi insect, bug N5 毛虫けむし kemushi caterpillar N4 虫歯むしば mushiba cavity, tooth decay N4 害虫がいちゅう gaichuu pest, harmful insect N3 蛍ほたる...

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〜をめぐって / 〜をめぐる — JLPT N2 Grammar

Pattern 〜をめぐって / 〜をめぐる (o megutte / o meguru) Structure Noun + をめぐって (followed by verb — verbal use) Noun + をめぐる + Noun (attributive — modifying a noun) Formality Level Formal — primarily used in news reporting, academic writing, political discourse. Common in newspaper headlines and editorial writing. Meaning "Surrounding X," "concerning X," "over X" — used for topics that are disputed, controversial, or under active debate . The...

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N4 Kanji: 肩 (Shoulder)

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女 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 女 3 N5 女 woman Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ジョ/ニョ/ニョウ jo/nyo/nyou Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) おんな/め onna/me woman; female Meanings woman female Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 女おんな onna woman N5 女性じょせい josei female / woman (formal) N5 女の子おんなのこ onna no ko girl N5 女子じょし joshi girl / female N4 彼女かのじょ kanojo she...

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〜の — Possession and Noun Modification

Properties Property Value Level N5 Type Particle Connects Noun + の + Noun Meaning の (no) has three main uses: 1. Possession Marks that the first noun owns or belongs to the second noun. 私の本 — my book 田中さんの車 — Tanaka-san's car 2. Noun Modification / Relationship Describes or specifies the second noun using the first. This includes origin, material, category, or association. 日本語の先生 — Japanese teacher (teacher of Japanese)...

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N4 Kanji: 館 (Building, Hall, Mansion)

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N4 Kanji: 図 (Diagram, Map, Plan)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 図 Strokes 7 Radical 囗 (enclosure) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi ズ、ト zu, to Kun-yomi はか・る haka-ru Vocabulary | 図書館 | としょかん | toshokan | library | | 地図 | ちず | chizu | map | | 図形 | ずけい | zukei | shape, figure | | 図書 | としょ | tosho | books, library books | | 設計図 | せっけいず |...

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〜にして (being X and also / at that very point — formal dual)

〜にして Formality Level: Formal / Literary — formal speeches, biographies, literary prose, academic writing Classical Origin: にして derives from classical Japanese に ( ni , locative/instrumental particle) + して (classical gerundive/connective form of する). In classical Japanese, にして expressed simultaneous states or conditions: "being in the state of X, and also..." This pattern appears in the Manyoshu and throughout Heian-period prose. Modern にして retains this dual-state function and also expresses...

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〜あっての / 〜あってこそ (only possible because of — prerequisite)

〜あっての / 〜あってこそ Formality Level: Semi-formal to Formal — speeches, formal writing, expressions of gratitude Classical/Literary Origin: Both patterns derive from あって (gerundive of ある, "to exist/be") + の (nominaliser) or こそ (classical emphatic particle). こそ is a classical Japanese emphatic particle (already discussed in Lesson 1) that appeared in the Man'yoshu and throughout classical poetry to mark the one true reason for a state. 〜あってこそ thus carries classical emphatic...

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JLPT N1 Lesson 9: N1 Listening — Strategies, Scripts, and Pitch Accent

Overview The JLPT N1 listening section is qualitatively different from all lower levels, and this difference is not merely one of vocabulary difficulty. At N1, the exam tests three capabilities that N2 does not: (1) the ability to infer the speaker's stance and unstated position from prosodic cues and indirection; (2) the ability to integrate information across extended discourse — a 3-minute academic monologue where critical information appears at the...

上 — Kanji Reference

上 Property Value Meaning up, above Strokes 3 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) ジョウ、ショウ Kun-reading (訓読み) うえ、うわ、のぼ-る Radical 一 (ichi - one) Stroke Order The kanji 上 follows the standard Japanese rule of writing horizontal strokes before vertical strokes. Stroke 1: The short vertical stroke starting from the middle. Stroke 2: The long horizontal stroke at the bottom. Stroke 3: The short horizontal stroke at the top right. Note: In...

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Kanji Radicals (部首)

The 214 classical radicals (部首, bushu) are the building blocks of kanji. They originated from the Kangxi Dictionary (1716) and are still used to index kanji in Japanese dictionaries. Learning the most frequent radicals dramatically accelerates kanji recognition. Why Learn Radicals Pattern recognition : Recognizing radicals in unfamiliar kanji gives you semantic and structural clues Dictionary lookup : Traditional kanji dictionaries are indexed by radical Mnemonic scaffolding : WaniKani and...

校 — Kanji Reference

校 Property Value Meaning school Strokes 10 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) コウ Kun-reading (訓読み) none Radical 木 (Tree radical, U+6728) Stroke Order The character 校 follows standard Japanese stroke order rules: top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Stroke 1 : Horizontal line (left side, 木). Stroke 2 : Vertical line (center, 木). Stroke 3 : Left diagonal (木). Stroke 4 : Right diagonal (木). Stroke 5 : Dot (top of 交). Stroke...

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自然 (しぜん) — Japanese Vocabulary

自然 — しぜん (shizen) Part of speech: noun, na-adjective JLPT level: N4 Reading: しぜん (shizen) Meaning: nature; natural; spontaneous Word Breakdown 自 (ji / shi): Self. On-yomi: ジ (ji), シ (shi) Kun-yomi: みずか(ら) (mizuka-ra) 然 (zen / nen): So; that way; condition. On-yomi: ゼン (zen), ネン (nen) Kun-yomi: しか(り) (shika-ri) Etymology: The combination literally means "to be so of itself." It describes things that exist or happen without human intervention...

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JLPT N5 Grammar Patterns

20 fundamental N5 grammar patterns at the A1 beginner level. These are the building blocks of Japanese sentence structure — master these before moving on to N4. Pattern Meaning は (wa) topic marker が (ga) subject marker を (wo) direct object marker に (ni) direction / time / indirect object で (de) location of action / means の (no) possession / noun modification と (to) and / with (accompaniment) も...

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〜とともに — JLPT N3 Grammar

Pattern: 〜とともに Structure: Noun + とともに / Verb (dictionary form) + とともに Formality: Formal / Standard Meaning: "together with ~, along with ~, as ~ also ~" (simultaneous co-occurrence or parallel change) Explanation 〜とともに has two uses: Meaning 1 — Accompaniment/simultaneity: Doing something together with another person or thing. 「彼女とともに働く」(work together with her). Meaning 2 — Parallel development: As one development occurs, another occurs along with it. This is the...

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N4 Kanji: 夏 (Summer)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 夏 Strokes 10 Radical 夂 (walk slowly) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi カ ka Kun-yomi なつ natsu Vocabulary | 夏 | なつ | natsu | summer | | 夏休み | なつやすみ | natsuyasumi | summer vacation | | 夏至 | げし Stroke Order geshi | summer solstice | | 初夏 | しょか | shoka | early summer | | 真夏 | まなつ...

月 — Kanji Reference

月 Property Value Meaning moon, month Strokes 4 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) ゲツ、ガツ Kun-reading (訓読み) つき Radical 月 (つき) - U+6708 Stroke Order The stroke order for 月 follows the standard rule of top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Note the "hook" (hane) at the end of the second stroke. Stroke 1: The vertical line on the left, slightly curved inward. Stroke 2: The top horizontal line, turning down to form a...

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Work and Business Vocabulary

Work vocabulary is essential for living in Japan and appears heavily in N3–N2 JLPT material. Japanese workplace culture has unique vocabulary around hierarchy, keigo, and corporate customs. Job Titles and Professions Japanese Reading Romaji English 仕事しごと shigoto work; job 職業しょくぎょう shokugyou occupation; profession 社員しゃいん shain company employee 会社員かいしゃいん kaishain salaryman; office worker 公務員こうむいん koumuin government employee; civil servant 自営業じえいぎょう jieigyou self-employed; freelance 医者いしゃ...

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安 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 安 6 N5 宀 roof Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) アン an Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) やす-い/やす-らか yasu-i/yasu-raka cheap; peaceful; safe Meanings cheap safe peaceful easy Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 安いやすい yasui cheap / inexpensive N5 安全あんぜん anzen safety / safe N5 安心あんしん anshin peace of mind / relief N4 安定あんてい antei stability N4...

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昨 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 昨 9 N5 日 sun/day Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) サク saku Chinese-origin (音読み) Meanings yesterday previous Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 昨日きのう kinou yesterday N5 昨年さくねん sakunen last year (formal) N4 昨夜さくや sakuya last night (formal) N4 昨晩さくばん sakuban last night N4 昨今さっこん sakkon nowadays / recently N2 Stroke Order Left: 日 (sun,...

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〜まで — Until; As Far As

Properties Property Value Type Particle Level JLPT N5 Meaning まで (made) marks the end point of a range. It has two primary uses: End point in time — indicates the time at which something stops or the period up to which something continues (until, through) 5時まで勉強します。— I study until 5 o'clock. End point in space — indicates the furthest point reached by movement or a physical extent (to, as far...

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N4 Kanji: 局 (Bureau, Office, Situation)

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〜というより — JLPT N2 Grammar

Pattern [Description A] + というより、[Description B] + だ/の方が正確だ Noun + というより、Noun + だ V-plain + というより、V-plain / adj-plain + [description] Description A is the initial or obvious characterization. Description B (after というより) is the more accurate, more precise, or more fitting description that the speaker prefers. Formality Neutral . というより is used naturally in both spoken and written Japanese. It is common in casual conversation, essays, literary commentary, and everyday...

好 — Kanji Reference

好 Property Value Meaning like, fond of Strokes 6 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) コウ Kun-reading (訓読み) す-く、この-む、よ-い Radical 女 (Onna - Woman) [U+5973] Stroke Order The kanji 好 follows standard Japanese calligraphy rules, moving from top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Stroke 1: The top-left downward curve (part of the 女 radical). Stroke 2: The diagonal stroke moving down-right. Stroke 3: The horizontal bar connecting the two previous strokes. Stroke 4: The...

目 — Kanji Reference

目 Property Value Meaning eye Strokes 5 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) モク、ボク Kun-reading (訓読み) め Radical 目 (めへん - me-hen) [U+76EE] Stroke Order The kanji 目 is written in 5 strokes following the standard rule of top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Stroke 1 : A vertical line on the left. Stroke 2 : A horizontal line starting from the top of the first stroke, turning 90 degrees downward to form the...

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〜において/〜における — JLPT N3 Grammar

Pattern: 〜において / 〜における Structure: Noun + において / Noun + における + Noun (attributive) Formality: Formal / Written Meaning: "in ~, at ~, in the domain/context of ~" Explanation 〜において marks the domain, field, setting, or context in which something takes place or is being discussed. It is the formal written equivalent of the casual particle 〜で when 〜で marks a context (not a physical tool). The attributive form...

東 — Kanji Reference

東 Property Value Meaning east Strokes 8 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) トウ Kun-reading (訓読み) ひがし Radical 木 (tree) [U+6728] Stroke Order The stroke order for 東 follows the standard rule of top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Stroke 1 : Horizontal stroke (top bar of the 日 component). Stroke 2 : Vertical stroke (left side of the 日 component). Stroke 3 : Horizontal stroke (bottom of the top part of the 日...

七 — Kanji Reference

七 Property Value Meaning seven Strokes 2 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) シチ Kun-reading (訓読み) なな、なな-つ、なの Radical 一 (いち - one) Stroke Order The kanji 七 is written in 2 strokes: Stroke 1: A horizontal line written from left to right, with a slight upward slant. Stroke 2: A vertical-like stroke starting from the top center, curving downward and slightly to the left, ending with a hook or a sharp...

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N4 Kanji: 指 (Finger, Point)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 指 Strokes 9 Radical 手/扌(hand) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi シ shi Kun-yomi ゆび、さ・す yubi, sa-su Vocabulary | 指 | ゆび | yubi | finger | | 指定 | してい | shitei | designation, appointment | | 指導 | しどう | shidō | guidance, instruction | | 薬指 | くすりゆび | kusuriyubi | ring finger | | 指輪 | ゆびわ | yubiwa...

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高 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 高 10 N5 高 high/tall Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) コウ kou Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) たか-い/たか taka-i/taka tall; high; expensive Meanings tall high expensive Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 高いたかい takai tall / high / expensive N5 高校こうこう koukou high school N5 高速こうそく kousoku high speed / expressway N4 最高さいこう saikou maximum / best...

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一 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 一 1 N5 一 one Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) イチ/イツ ichi/itsu Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) ひと-つ hito-tsu one (native count) Meanings one first Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 一人ひとり hitori one person N5 一月いちがつ ichigatsu January N5 一日ついたち tsuitachi the first (of the month) N5 一番いちばん ichiban number one / best N5 一緒にいっしょに...

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〜に足る / 〜に足らない (worthy of / unworthy of)

〜に足る / 〜に足らない Formality Level: Formal / Literary — formal evaluation, criticism, literary prose Classical Origin: 足る ( taru ) is the classical/literary form of 足りる ( tariru , to be sufficient/adequate). The classical form 足る remains in use in formal and literary Japanese in fixed expressions. 〜に足る means "sufficient for/adequate to X" → "worthy of X." 〜に足らない means "not sufficient for X" → "not worthy of / beneath." Structure...

青 — Kanji Reference

青 Property Value Meaning blue, green Strokes 8 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) セイ、ショウ Kun-reading (訓読み) あお、あお-い Radical 月 (にくづき/つき) - U+6708 Stroke Order The kanji 青 follows standard top-to-bottom, left-to-right rules. Stroke 1 : Horizontal top line. Stroke 2 : Horizontal line below the first. Stroke 3 : Vertical line starting from the top center. Stroke 4 : Horizontal line closing the top box. Stroke 5 : Vertical line...

百 — Kanji Reference

百 Property Value Meaning hundred Strokes 6 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) ヒャク Kun-reading (訓読み) none Radical 白 (shiro - white) [U+767D] Stroke Order The stroke order follows the standard rules of top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Stroke 1 : The horizontal line at the top. Stroke 2 : The vertical line on the left. Stroke 3 : The horizontal line connecting the top and the right side. Stroke 4 : The...

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N4 Kanji: 病 (Illness, Sick)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 病 Strokes 10 Radical 疒 (sickness radical) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi ビョウ、ヘイ byō, hei Kun-yomi や・む、やまい ya-mu, yamai Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English 病院びょういん byōin hospital 病気びょうき byōki illness, sickness 病人びょうにん byōnin sick person 看病かんびょう kanbyō nursing (sick person) 疾病しっぺい shippei disease (formal) Stroke Order 1-5. Outer sickness radical 疒. 6-10. Inner 丙 (third, bright). Mnemonic...

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安全な (あんぜんな) — Japanese Vocabulary

安全な — あんぜんな (anzen na) Part of speech: adj-na (adjectival noun) JLPT level: N4 Reading: あんぜんな (anzen na) Meaning: safe; secure Word Breakdown 安 (あん / an): Peace, quiet, cheap. (On-yomi: アン / Kun-yomi: やす.い) 全 (ぜん / zen): All, whole, complete. (On-yomi: ゼン / Kun-yomi: まった.く, すべ.て) Together, 安全 literally means "all is peaceful/complete," resulting in the meaning of "safe." All Readings Kanji On-yomi (音読み) Kun-yomi (訓読み) 安アン...

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〜ましょう — Let's ~; Shall We ~?

Properties Property Value Level JLPT N5 Form Polite volitional Register Neutral (polite) Meaning ましょう expresses an invitation or suggestion to do something together with the listener. It can also express the speaker's own intention or determination to do something. It is the polite equivalent of the plain volitional form 〜よう. "Let's ~" (suggesting a joint action) "Shall we ~?" (inviting the listener) "I will ~" (expressing intention, less common) Structure...

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右 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 右 5 N5 口 mouth Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ウ/ユウ u/yuu Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) みぎ migi right Meanings right Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 右みぎ migi right N5 右手みぎて migite right hand N5 右側みぎがわ migigawa right side N5 右折うせつ usetsu right turn N4 左右さゆう sayuu left and right N4 Stroke Order Short...

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万 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 万 3 N5 一 one Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) マン/バン man/ban Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) よろず yorozu ten thousand (archaic/literary) Meanings ten thousand myriad Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 一万円いちまんえん ichiman-en 10,000 yen N5 三万さんまん sanman 30,000 N5 万年筆まんねんひつ mannenhitsu fountain pen N4 百万ひゃくまん hyakuman one million N4 万国ばんこく bankoku all nations /...

Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N1 — Advanced C1–C2 › JLPT N1 Lessons ›

JLPT N1 Lesson 10: N1 Capstone — Full Simulation and Strategic Analysis

Overview This capstone lesson is designed to function as both a synthesis of all previous N1 content and a standalone simulation of examination conditions. The JLPT N1 exam is a 165-minute test (110 minutes for Language Knowledge and Reading; 55 minutes for Listening) that demands not only comprehensive grammatical and vocabulary knowledge but also the kind of disciplined test-taking strategy that many candidates overlook. Approximately 35% of candidates who attempt...

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〜に先立って — JLPT N2 Grammar

Pattern Noun + に先立って V-dictionary form + に先立って Noun + に先立ち (formal/written variant) Noun + に先立つ + Noun (attributive: "a Noun that precedes ~") The noun or verb before に先立って is the main or significant event that has not yet taken place — the action in the main clause comes before it. Formality Formal . に先立って is used in official speeches, announcements, ceremonial language, and formal written Japanese. It is...

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On'yomi and Kun'yomi

Every kanji in Japanese can have one or more readings: on'yomi (音読み, Chinese-derived) and kun'yomi (訓読み, native Japanese). Understanding when and why each reading is used is fundamental to kanji mastery. What Are On'yomi and Kun'yomi? On'yomi (音読み) — "Sound Reading" On'yomi are Japanese approximations of Chinese pronunciations at the time kanji were imported. Since different historical periods brought different Chinese dialects, some kanji have multiple on'yomi from different eras:...

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駅 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 駅 14 N5 馬 horse Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) エキ eki Chinese-origin (音読み) Meanings station (train/bus) Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 駅えき eki train station N5 駅前えきまえ ekimae in front of the station N5 駅員えきいん ekiin station staff N4 終着駅しゅうちゃくえき shuuchakueki terminal station N3 駅弁えきべん ekiben station lunchbox N4 Stroke Order Left: 馬...

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Home Vocabulary — Japanese N1

Home Vocabulary — JLPT N1 At the N1 level, vocabulary regarding the home shifts from basic objects to nuanced descriptions of architecture, interior aesthetics, maintenance, and the complexities of domestic life. Mastering these terms is essential for reading contemporary Japanese literature, understanding real estate contracts, and navigating sophisticated social conversations about lifestyle and living environments. Core Vocabulary Japanese Reading Romaji English Part of Speech 邸宅ていたく teitaku mansion/residence Noun 居間...

万 — Kanji Reference

万 Property Value Meaning ten thousand Strokes 3 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) マン、バン Kun-reading (訓読み) よろず Radical 一 (ichi - one) [U+4E00] Stroke Order The kanji 万 is written in 3 strokes following the standard top-to-bottom, left-to-right rule: Stroke 1: A horizontal line starting from the left, slightly curved upwards. Stroke 2: A vertical line starting from the center of the first stroke, curving down and to the left....

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しかし (しかし) — Japanese Vocabulary

しかし — しかし (shikashi) Part of speech: Conjunction (接続詞) JLPT level: N4 Reading: しかし (shikashi) Meaning: however, but Word Breakdown しかし (shikashi) is a kana-only word. It is derived from the classical Japanese verb shikaru (然る), meaning "to be so" or "to be thus," combined with the particle shi (し), which indicates a past or completed state. Etymologically, it literally translates to "that being the case" or "it having been...

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〜いかんでは / 〜いかんによっては (depending on the circumstances of)

〜いかんでは / 〜いかんによっては Formality Level: Formal — legal texts, official policies, formal announcements Classical Origin: See entry for 〜いかんによらず for the origin of いかん. 〜いかんでは and 〜いかんによっては are the conditional complements of 〜いかんによらず: where 〜いかんによらず declares X irrelevant (regardless of X), 〜いかんでは declares X potentially relevant (depending on X). Structure Form Example Noun (の) + いかんでは審査結果のいかんでは Noun (の) + いかんによっては状況のいかんによっては Meaning "Depending on the nature/circumstances/manner of X, Y...

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空 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 空 8 N5 穴 hole/cave Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) クウ kuu Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) そら/から/す-く sora/kara/su-ku sky; empty; void Meanings sky empty air void Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 空そら sora sky N5 空港くうこう kuukou airport N5 空気くうき kuuki air / atmosphere N5 空白くうはく kuuhaku blank / empty space N4 青空あおぞら aozora...

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Numbers and Counters

Japanese numbers are straightforward, but the counter system — different counting words for different categories of objects — is one of the unique challenges of the language. Basic Numbers Number Kanji Hiragana Romaji Notes 1 一いち ichi 2 二に ni 3 三さん san 4 四し/よん shi/yon yon preferred in counting 5 五ご go 6 六ろく roku 7 七しち/なな shichi/nana nana preferred in counting...

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N4 Kanji: 勉 (Make Effort, Study Hard)

木 — Kanji Reference

木 Property Value Meaning tree, wood Strokes 4 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) モク、ボク Kun-reading (訓読み) き、こ Radical 木 (きへん - kihen) [U+6728] Stroke Order The stroke order for 木 follows the standard rules of top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Stroke 1 : The horizontal line (left to right). Stroke 2 : The vertical line (top to bottom, crossing the center of the first stroke). Stroke 3 : The left diagonal slash...

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Japanese Particles

Particles (助詞, joshi) are one of the most fundamental elements of Japanese grammar. They are short syllables that attach to the end of nouns, pronouns, and phrases to mark their grammatical relationship to the rest of the sentence. There are no particles in English — their function is handled by word order and prepositions. Core Sentence Particles は (wa) — Topic Marker Marks the topic of the sentence — what...

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長 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 長 8 N5 長 long/chief Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) チョウ chou Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) なが-い naga-i long Kun (訓) おさ osa chief; head Meanings long chief leader senior Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 長いながい nagai long N5 校長こうちょう kouchou school principal N4 社長しゃちょう shachou company president N4 長所ちょうしょ chousho strong point / merit...

来 — Kanji Reference

来 Property Value Meaning come Strokes 7 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) ライ Kun-reading (訓読み) く-る、き-たる Radical 木 (Tree, U+6728) Stroke Order The stroke order for 来 follows standard rules: horizontal strokes before vertical, and top-to-bottom. Stroke 1 : Horizontal stroke at the top. Stroke 2 : Vertical stroke in the center (the "trunk"). Stroke 3 : Left diagonal stroke. Stroke 4 : Right diagonal stroke. Stroke 5 : Horizontal...

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朝 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 朝 12 N5 月 moon Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) チョウ chou Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) あさ asa morning Meanings morning dynasty Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 今朝けさ kesa this morning N5 朝ご飯あさごはん asagohan breakfast N5 毎朝まいあさ maiasa every morning N5 朝日あさひ asahi morning sun N5 朝早くあさはやく asa hayaku early in the morning N5...

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JLPT N1 — Vocabulary

JLPT N1 vocabulary (~4,000 new words beyond N2, ~10,000 cumulative) spans the full breadth of educated Japanese: academic prose, legal documents, financial news, medical terminology, literary and classical expressions, and the four-character idioms (四字熟語) that appear throughout formal writing. This page organizes the most important words by domain. Sino-Japanese Academic Compounds (漢語 — 学術語) These abstract nouns built from Chinese-origin kanji appear in essays, editorials, and academic writing. Mastery of...

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N4 Kanji: 事 (Thing, Matter, Event)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 事 Strokes 8 Radical 亅 (hook) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi ジ ji Kun-yomi こと koto Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English 仕事しごと shigoto work, job 大事だいじ daiji important, precious 食事しょくじ shokuji meal 用事ようじ yōji errand, business 無事ぶじ buji safe, without incident Stroke Order 1-4. Top portion (like a flag on a pole). 5-8. Bottom strokes forming support....

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JLPT N4 Lesson 2: て-Form Compound Actions

Overview The て-form (te-form) of Japanese verbs is one of the most productive grammatical structures in the language. At N5 you learned its core uses: connecting sequential actions (食べて寝る), forming the 〜ている progressive, making requests with 〜てください, and expressing permission or prohibition. At N4, you unlock six powerful て-form compound patterns that each attach a grammatical auxiliary verb to the te-form, adding a layer of nuance about completion, preparation, experimentation,...

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青 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 青 8 N5 青 blue/green Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) セイ/ショウ sei/shou Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) あお/あお-い ao/ao-i blue; green; unripe Meanings blue green young unripe Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 青いあおい aoi blue / green N5 青空あおぞら aozora blue sky N5 青年せいねん seinen youth / young person N4 青信号あおしんごう ao shingou green light (traffic)...

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花 — JLPT N5 Kanji

花 JLPT Level: N5 | Strokes: 7 | Radical: 艹 (grass/plant) Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On-yomi カ ka flower in compounds Kun-yomi はな hana flower, blossom Meanings Flower, blossom Beautiful (figurative) Fireworks (花火) Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 花はな hana flower N5 花火はなび hanabi fireworks N5 花見はなみ hanami cherry blossom viewing N4 花瓶かびん kabin flower vase N4 花束はなたば hanataba bouquet of flowers N4...

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JLPT N3 Lesson 3: Complex Conjunctions I — Location and Stance

Overview At N3, you encounter a set of noun-based conjunctive phrases that are almost entirely absent from casual conversation but ubiquitous in formal writing, news, and business contexts. These "complex particles" or "compound postpositions" consist of a noun plus a particle, and they function grammatically like single postpositions. Mastering them is essential: N3 reading passages heavily feature these patterns, and confusing 〜において with 〜で, or 〜に対して with 〜に, signals a...

白 — Kanji Reference

白 Property Value Meaning white Strokes 5 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) ハク (haku)、ビャク (byaku) Kun-reading (訓読み) しろ (shiro)、しら (shira)、しろ-い (shiro-i) Radical 白 (shiro) [U+767D] Stroke Order The kanji 白 follows standard top-to-bottom, left-to-right rules. Note that the top stroke is a short vertical dash, not a horizontal one. Stroke 1 : The short vertical dash at the top center. Stroke 2 : The top horizontal line, which turns down...

本 — Kanji Reference

本 Property Value Meaning book, origin Strokes 5 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) ホン Kun-reading (訓読み) もと Radical 木 (Tree, U+6728) Stroke Order The stroke order for 本 follows standard calligraphy rules: horizontal strokes before vertical strokes, and top-to-bottom/left-to-right. Stroke 1 : Horizontal line (left to right). Stroke 2 : Vertical line (top to bottom), crossing the center of the first stroke. Stroke 3 : Left diagonal slash (撇). Stroke...

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休 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 休 6 N5 人 person Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) キュウ kyuu Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) やす-む/やす-まる/やす-める yasu-mu/yasu-maru/yasu-meru to rest; to be absent Meanings rest holiday absent Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 休むやすむ yasumu to rest / be absent N5 休みやすみ yasumi rest / holiday / day off N5 休日きゅうじつ kyuujitsu holiday / day off N5...

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後 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 後 9 N5 彳 step Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ゴ/コウ go/kou Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) あと/うし-ろ/のち ato/ushi-ro/nochi after; behind; later Meanings behind after later back Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 後であとで ato de later / afterward N5 午後ごご gogo PM / afternoon N5 後ろうしろ ushiro behind / back N5 最後さいご saigo last / final...

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JLPT N2 — Vocabulary (~2,250 new words beyond N3)

N2 introduces approximately 2,250 new vocabulary items beyond N3 (~6,000 total cumulative). The defining characteristic of N2 vocabulary is its formal, written register — most new words come from newspapers, academic texts, formal correspondence, and broadcast speech. Casual conversational study alone will not cover this vocabulary; deliberate reading and SRS are essential. 1. Academic and Intellectual Vocabulary The single most important category for N2. These words appear throughout all sections...

町 — Kanji Reference

町 Property Value Meaning town, district Strokes 7 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) チョウ Kun-reading (訓読み) まち Radical 田 (た - rice field) [U+7530] Stroke Order The character 町 follows the standard rule of writing from top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Stroke 1 : The left vertical line of the "rice field" (田) component. Stroke 2 : The top horizontal line, turning down to form the right side of the top box....

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〜かねる / 〜かねない — JLPT N2 Grammar

Patterns 〜かねる (kaneru) — polite inability/reluctance 〜かねない (kanenai) — risk/negative possibility Structure 〜かねる: Verb (masu-stem) + かねる / かねます〜かねない: Verb (masu-stem) + かねない Formality Level Both: Formal — used in business correspondence, official statements, professional contexts. かねる: Standard formula for polite refusals in formal letters/email かねない: Written and spoken formal/business Japanese CRITICAL DISTINCTION These two patterns look almost identical but have opposite-direction meanings: Pattern Meaning Direction Speaker's role 〜かねる...

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〜らしい — Japanese Grammar

〜らしい Property Value Pattern 〜らしい JLPT Level N4 Type hearsay / conjecture Formality Neutral Register Both (Spoken and Written) Meaning The suffix 〜らしい is used to express hearsay—information that you have heard from someone else or read in a report. It conveys that the speaker is relaying information without taking personal responsibility for its absolute truth. Structure Formula [Verb (plain form)] + らしい [い-adjective (plain form)] + らしい [な-adjective (stem)]...

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国 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 国 8 N5 囗 enclosure Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) コク koku Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) くに kuni country; nation; homeland Meanings country nation land Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 国くに kuni country / nation N5 外国がいこく gaikoku foreign country N5 国語こくご kokugo national language / Japanese N5 全国ぜんこく zenkoku whole country N4 外国人がいこくじん...

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夜 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 夜 8 N5 夕 evening Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ヤ ya Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) よる/よ yoru/yo night Meanings night evening Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 夜よる yoru night / evening N5 今夜こんや kon'ya tonight N5 夜中よなか yonaka midnight / middle of the night N5 深夜しんや shinya late night N4 夜明けよあけ yoake dawn...

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〜てならない — JLPT N2 Grammar

Pattern V-て form + ならないい-adj (く form) + てならないな-adj (で form) + ならない The verb or adjective before てならない describes an emotion, desire, or sensation that arises spontaneously and overwhelmingly. The subject of this emotion is typically the speaker (first person). Formality Formal / Slightly Written . てならない carries a somewhat literary or formal nuance. It is more elevated than てたまらない (which is more conversational) and てしかたがない (which...

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JLPT N3 Lesson 10: N3 Capstone — Integration and Review

Overview You have reached the capstone of the JLPT N3 lesson series. Over the previous nine lessons, you have built a comprehensive toolkit: register awareness and formal/informal code-switching, five causal expression patterns with full comparative analysis, eight complex conjunctions for location, stance, change, and proportion, six advanced conditional and timing structures, five patterns for expressing change and tendency, six scope and contrast patterns, workplace and formal Japanese including keigo foundations,...

火 — Kanji Reference

火 Property Value Meaning fire Strokes 4 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) カ Kun-reading (訓読み) ひ、ほ Radical 火 (ひ) — U+706B Stroke Order The stroke order for 火 follows the general rule of top-to-bottom and left-to-right, with a specific focus on balance: Stroke 1: A short, slightly curved vertical-ish stroke starting from the top center. Stroke 2: A left-slanting stroke (払 - harai ) starting from the middle. Stroke 3:...

手 — Kanji Reference

手 Property Value Meaning hand Strokes 4 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) シュ、ズ Kun-reading (訓読み) て Radical 手 (て・てへん) U+624B Stroke Order The character 手 follows standard Japanese calligraphy rules, moving from top to bottom and left to right. Stroke 1: The short horizontal stroke at the top, slightly slanted upwards. Stroke 2: The second horizontal stroke, shorter than the first, placed below it. Stroke 3: The third horizontal stroke,...

犬 — Kanji Reference

犬 Property Value Meaning dog Strokes 4 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) ケン Kun-reading (訓読み) いぬ Radical 大 (dai) + dot — [U+72AC] Stroke Order The stroke order for 犬 follows standard Japanese calligraphy rules (top-to-bottom, left-to-right): Stroke 1 : The horizontal line (top). Stroke 2 : The diagonal stroke starting from the center and moving down-left. Stroke 3 : The diagonal stroke starting from the center and moving down-right....

書 — Kanji Reference

書 Property Value Meaning write Strokes 10 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) ショ Kun-reading (訓読み) か-く Radical 曰 (hi/iwaku - to say) [U+66F0] Stroke Order The character 書 is written from top to bottom and left to right. Top horizontal: The top horizontal stroke (the "lid"). Verticals: The two vertical strokes descending from the top. Middle horizontal: The horizontal stroke connecting the verticals. The "曰" component: The final square-like shape...

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〜わけではない — JLPT N2 Grammar

Pattern 〜わけではない / 〜わけではありません (wake de wa nai / wake de wa arimasen) Structure Verb (plain form) + わけではない I-adjective (plain form) + わけではない Na-adjective + な + わけではない Noun + という + わけではない Noun + な + わけではない (less common) Formality Level Neutral to formal — used in both spoken and written Japanese. The formal written version is 〜わけではない; spoken uses 〜わけじゃない. Meaning "It's not that X," "it doesn't...

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〜で — Location of Action and Means

〜で Property Value Pattern 〜で JLPT Level N5 Type particle Formality Neutral Register Both (Spoken and Written) Meaning The particle で has three core uses at the N5 level: 1. Location where an action takes place Marks the place at which an activity or event occurs. The key idea is that something happens there — not merely that something exists there. 学校で勉強する。 I study at school. 2. Means, method, or...

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Vocabulary

Japanese vocabulary acquisition is a years-long process requiring consistent daily effort. This guide covers the structure of Japanese vocabulary, how many words you need for each level, and the most effective strategies for building and retaining your word bank. Three Layers of Japanese Vocabulary Japanese vocabulary draws from three distinct sources: Wago (和語) — Native Japanese Words Words that predate the import of Chinese characters. Usually: Written in hiragana alone...

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Culture Vocabulary — Japanese N1

Culture Vocabulary — JLPT N1 At the N1 level, vocabulary regarding culture shifts from basic descriptions to abstract concepts, aesthetic values, and sociological analysis. Mastering these terms is essential for discussing Japanese history, traditional arts, and the nuances of societal customs in professional or academic settings. Core Vocabulary Japanese Reading Romaji English Part of Speech 伝統でんとう dentō tradition Noun 継承けいしょう keishō inheritance/succession Noun/Suru-verb 趣おもむき omomuki charm/taste/appearance Noun...

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送る (おくる) — Japanese Vocabulary

送る — おくる (okuru) Part of speech: verb-u (Godan) JLPT level: N4 Reading: おくる (okuru) Meaning: to send; to escort; to spend (time) Word Breakdown 送 (Kanji): Meaning: Escort, send, dispatch. On-yomi (音読み): ソウ (sō) Kun-yomi (訓読み): おく(る) (oku-ru) The kanji consists of the radical 辶 (movement) and the phonetic component 关 (originally representing a person carrying something). Together, they signify the act of moving something or someone from one...

小 — Kanji Reference

小 Property Value Meaning small Strokes 3 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) ショウ Kun-reading (訓読み) ちい-さい、お、こ Radical 小 (しょう) - U+5C0F Stroke Order The kanji 小 is written in 3 strokes, following the standard rule of top-to-bottom and center-to-sides: Stroke 1 : A vertical line starting from the top center, ending with a small hook (tome/hane) at the bottom. Stroke 2 : A short dot/dash on the left side, slanting...

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〜ともなると / 〜ともなれば (when it comes to being at the level of)

〜ともなると / 〜ともなれば Formality Level: Formal / Semi-formal — formal speech, essays, news commentary Classical/Literary Origin: とも combines the quotative と with the inclusive particle も ("even"). なると (from なる, "to become") and なれば (classical conditional of なる) both express the moment of reaching or becoming a certain level or stage. The pattern entered modern Japanese through formal written and journalistic style. Structure Form Usage Noun + ともなると大統領ともなると Noun...

見 — Kanji Reference

見 Property Value Meaning see, look Strokes 7 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) ケン Kun-reading (訓読み) み-る、み-える Radical 見 (みる) - U+898B Stroke Order The kanji 見 follows standard Japanese stroke order rules: top-to-bottom, left-to-right. Stroke 1 : A short vertical line at the top left. Stroke 2 : A horizontal line starting from the top, turning down to the right. Stroke 3 : A horizontal line connecting to the...

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JLPT N3 Lesson 9: Reading Newspaper Japanese

Overview Newspaper Japanese ( shinbun-go , 新聞語) represents one of the most distinctive written registers in the language. Its grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure differ significantly from both casual speech and standard polite written Japanese. At the N3 level, you will encounter newspaper-style texts in the Reading section, and understanding their conventions is the key to scoring well. The good news is that newspaper style follows consistent, learnable patterns—once you...

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N4 Kanji: 道 (Road, Way, Path)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 道 Strokes 12 Radical 辶(walk/movement) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi ドウ、トウ dō, tō Kun-yomi みち michi Vocabulary | 道 | みち | michi | road, path | | 道路 | どうろ | dōro | road, highway | | 北海道 | ほっかいどう | Hokkaidō | Hokkaido | | 武道 | ぶどう | budō | martial arts | | 道具 | どうぐ | dōgu...

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JLPT N2 Lesson 8: Stance and Perspective

Overview Sophisticated argument and analysis require the ability to anchor a statement to a specific standpoint and to signal when reality diverges from expectation. In Japanese formal writing and professional communication, this is achieved through a family of stance-and-perspective patterns. These patterns allow the writer to say: "from the standpoint of X," "given X, Y is surprisingly different from what one would expect," and "the outcome depends entirely on X."...

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〜ざるを得ない — JLPT N2 Grammar

Pattern 〜ざるを得ない / 〜ざるを得ません (zaru o enai) Structure Verb (negative stem, ない-form without ない) + ざるを得ない Irregular: する → せざるを得ない (NOT しざるを得ない) ある → あらざるを得ない (rare/literary) Formation: Take the verb negative (ない) form, remove ない → add ざるを得ない行く → 行か(ない) → 行かざるを得ない認める → 認め(ない) → 認めざるを得ないする → せ(ざる) → せざるを得ない Formality Level Formal — primarily written Japanese, formal speech. Common in business, academic, and official contexts. The...

人 — Kanji Reference

人 Property Value Meaning person Strokes 2 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) ジン、ニン Kun-reading (訓読み) ひと Radical 人 (にんべん / hito) [U+4EBA] Stroke Order The character 人 follows the basic rule of top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Stroke 1: A downward diagonal stroke starting from the top center, moving to the left. Stroke 2: A downward stroke starting from the middle of the first stroke, curving slightly to the right. Note: Ensure...

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〜ともなく — JLPT N1 Grammar

〜ともなく Formality Level: Literary / Semi-formal — literary fiction, narrative prose, introspective writing, formal descriptive text Classical/Literary Origin: ともなく combines the quotation particle と (here used to echo a verb), も (even), and なく (the negative adverbial of ない, meaning "without"). The overall sense is "without it being the case that [verb]" — i.e., the action happens without a clear conscious intention or specific target. The pattern appears in literary...

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N4 Kanji: 雪 (Snow)

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〜とあれば — JLPT N1 Grammar

〜とあれば Formality Level: Formal / Semi-formal — journalism, literary fiction, formal speech, elevated prose Classical/Literary Origin: とあれば combines the quotation particle と, the classical conditional form あれば (from ある, "to be"), and creates a conditional meaning: "if it is the case that ~." It is derived from と + あれば (conditional of ある). In modern Japanese, the pattern has specialised to mean "given the condition/reason of ~, one is willing...

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JLPT N5 — Beginner A1

JLPT N5 is the entry point to Japanese proficiency certification. At this level you can handle basic greetings, introduce yourself, ask and answer simple questions about familiar topics, and read short sentences using hiragana, katakana, and 103 basic kanji. It corresponds to roughly 150–300 hours of study for an adult English speaker. Level Overview Item Count Vocabulary (approximate) ~800 words Kanji required 103 Grammar points ~100 patterns CEFR equivalent A1...

十 — Kanji Reference

十 Property Value Meaning ten Strokes 2 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) ジュウ (Jū)、ジッ (Ji) Kun-reading (訓読み) とお (tō)、と (to) Radical 十 (jū) [U+5341] Stroke Order The kanji 十 is written in two simple strokes following the standard rule of "horizontal before vertical": Stroke 1: A horizontal line written from left to right. Stroke 2: A vertical line written from top to bottom, crossing the center of the first stroke....

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肉 — JLPT N5 Kanji

肉 JLPT Level: N5 | Strokes: 6 | Radical: 肉 (flesh/meat) Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On-yomi ニク niku standard reading Kun-yomi — — no common kun-yomi Meanings Meat, flesh Body (in some compounds) Pulp (of fruit) Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 肉にく niku meat N5 牛肉ぎゅうにく gyuuniku beef N5 豚肉ぶたにく butaniku pork N5 鶏肉とりにく toriniku chicken (meat) N5 肉体にくたい nikutai the body, flesh...

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N4 Kanji: 路 (Road, Route)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 路 Strokes 13 Radical 足 (foot) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi ロ ro Kun-yomi じ ji Vocabulary | 道路 | どうろ | dōro | road, highway | | 路線 | ろせん | rosen | route, line | | 路地 | ろじ | roji | alley, lane | | 進路 | しんろ | shinro | course, direction | | 通路 | つうろ |...

友 — Kanji Reference

友 Property Value Meaning friend Strokes 4 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) ユウ Kun-reading (訓読み) とも Radical 又 (mata - "again/also") [U+53C8] Stroke Order The kanji 友 is written in 4 strokes following the standard top-to-bottom, left-to-right rule: Stroke 1: The horizontal line at the top (left to right). Stroke 2: The diagonal line starting from the center of the first stroke, sweeping down to the left. Stroke 3: The...

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変える (かえる) — Japanese Vocabulary

変える — かえる (kaeru) Part of speech: verb-ru (transitive) JLPT level: N4 Reading: かえる (kaeru) Meaning: to change; to alter; to transform Word Breakdown 変 (Kanji): Meaning: Change; strange; suspicious. On-yomi (音読み): ヘン (hen) Kun-yomi (訓読み): か.える (ka.eru), か.わる (ka.waru) The kanji 変 depicts a person (大) under a roof, with hands (又) struggling to restore order to a chaotic situation, representing the act of change or transformation. All Readings...

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JLPT N4 — Exam Preparation

N4 Exam Format Structure and Timing Section Subsections Time Points Language Knowledge (Vocabulary) Kanji reading, Vocabulary, Words in context ~30 min 60 Language Knowledge (Grammar) + Reading Grammar, Sentence arrangement, Text grammar, Reading ~60 min 60 Listening Short tasks, Verbal expressions, Quick response ~35 min 60 Total ~105 min 180 Pass Requirements Total: 90 points or above (50%) Each section: 19 points or above per section All three section thresholds...

食 — Kanji Reference

食 Property Value Meaning eat, food Strokes 9 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) ショク、ジキ Kun-reading (訓読み) た-べる、く-う Radical 食 (しょくへん) [U+98DF] Stroke Order The stroke order for 食 follows the standard rule of top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Note that the top part is written as a "hat" (人) followed by the horizontal stroke. Stroke 1: Top dot (left) Stroke 2: Horizontal stroke (right) Stroke 3: Horizontal stroke (right) Stroke 4: Vertical...

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なかなか (なかなか) — Japanese Vocabulary

なかなか — なかなか (nakanaka) Part of speech: adverb JLPT level: N4 Reading: なかなか (nakanaka) Meaning: fairly, quite; not easily Word Breakdown The word なかなか is written entirely in hiragana. It is an adverb that evolved from the classical Japanese nakanaka ni (中々), which originally meant "on the contrary" or "rather." Over time, it developed two distinct nuances: one expressing a degree of quality (quite/fairly) and one expressing difficulty or delay...

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JLPT N2 Lesson 3: Formal Conjunction Mastery II

Overview In the JLPT N2 curriculum, the ability to navigate formal, written Japanese is paramount. This lesson focuses on four essential grammatical structures used frequently in news reports, business proposals, and academic writing. These patterns allow you to express complex relationships—such as cause-and-effect, inclusion, and indifference—with the precision required in professional Japanese environments. Building upon your N3 knowledge of basic conjunctions, this lesson elevates your proficiency by introducing structures that...

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〜得る/〜得ない — JLPT N3 Grammar

Pattern: 〜得る / 〜得ない Structure: Verb (masu-stem) + 得る ( eru or uru ) → "can possibly ~, it is conceivable that ~" Verb (masu-stem) + 得ない ( enai ) → "cannot possibly ~, it is inconceivable that ~" Formality: Formal / Written (casual equivalent: ありえる / ありえない) Meaning: 〜得る: logical/theoretical possibility / 〜得ない: logical impossibility Explanation 〜得る (pronounced えられる in potential form or simply える/うる as a suffix) expresses...

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N4 Kanji: 仕 (Work, Serve)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 仕 Strokes 5 Radical 亻 (person) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi シ、ジ shi, ji Kun-yomi つか・える tsuka-eru Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English 仕事しごと shigoto work, job 仕方しかた shikata way, method 仕えるつかえる tsukaeru to serve 仕上げしあげ shiage finish, completion 仕組みしくみ shikumi structure, mechanism Stroke Order Left radical 亻(person). 2-5. Right side 士 (samurai/person). Mnemonic A person (亻) who...

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Kyoiku Kanji by School Grade

The Kyoiku kanji (教育漢字, literally "education kanji") are the 1,026 kanji mandated by Japan's Ministry of Education for Japanese elementary school students to learn by the end of 6th grade. They represent the core functional literacy foundation and cover most JLPT N5–N3 kanji. Overview Grade Count Cumulative JLPT Overlap Grade 1 80 80 Mostly N5 Grade 2 160 240 N5–N4 Grade 3 200 440 N4–N3 Grade 4 202 642 N3...

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JLPT N1 — Advanced C1–C2

JLPT N1 is the highest level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, corresponding to CEFR C1–C2. N1 holders can understand virtually everything they hear and read in Japanese, including complex arguments, abstract academic text, literary prose, and fast natural conversation. Estimated total study time from zero: 2,200–4,000+ hours. Level Overview Item Count Vocabulary (approximate, cumulative) ~10,000 words Kanji 2,000+ (most Joyo 2,136) Grammar points ~200 patterns CEFR equivalent C1–C2 Estimated...

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JLPT N1 — Kanji

JLPT N1 requires mastery of approximately 2,000+ kanji — effectively the complete Joyo kanji list (2,136 characters). The ~1,000 new kanji beyond N2 are concentrated in specialized domains: literary/classical, legal, medical, academic, and cultural. At N1, kanji study is inseparable from vocabulary study. How N1 Kanji Differs from N2 At N2, most kanji are high-frequency, everyday characters. At N1: Rare on-readings from Classical Chinese that don't appear in daily speech...

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JLPT N5 Lesson 9: Past Tense and Timeline

Overview Talking about what happened in the past is one of the most fundamental communication skills in any language, and Japanese handles it with elegant consistency. You have already seen the polite past tense 〜ました for verbs in Lesson 6. In this lesson we go deeper: you will learn the plain (dictionary-form) past tense for verbs (〜た form), master past-tense conjugation for い-adjectives (〜かった) and な-adjectives/nouns (〜でした), and handle negative...

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やっと (やっと) — Japanese Vocabulary

やっと — やっと (yatto) Part of speech: adverb JLPT level: N4 Reading: やっと (yatto) Meaning: finally, at last; barely; with difficulty Word Breakdown やっと is written entirely in hiragana. It is an onomatopoeic-derived adverb (gitaigo) that captures the feeling of a long-awaited result or the sensation of just barely achieving something after a struggle. It is often associated with a sense of relief or the exhaustion that follows a difficult...

気 — Kanji Reference

気 Property Value Meaning spirit, mood, air, energy Strokes 6 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) キ、ケ Kun-reading (訓読み) none Radical 気 (きがまえ - kigamae) U+6C17 Stroke Order The kanji 気 is written in 6 strokes. Follow the standard rule of top-to-bottom and left-to-right: Stroke 1 : The short horizontal line at the top left. Stroke 2 : The short horizontal line below the first. Stroke 3 : The short diagonal...

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JLPT N1 — Exam Preparation

JLPT N1 is the most demanding language proficiency exam for Japanese, with a historical pass rate of approximately 35%. This guide covers everything you need to prepare systematically — from understanding the exam format to a 12-month study plan. Exam Format Time Allocation Section Time Questions Points Language Knowledge (Vocab + Grammar) + Reading 110 minutes ~70–75 0–120 Listening 60 minutes ~37 0–60 Total 170 minutes ~107–112 0–180 Pass Criteria...

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JLPT N3 Lesson 1: Formal vs. Informal Register

Overview One of the defining challenges of JLPT N3 is that you can no longer rely on a single register. At N5 and N4, you learned polite desu/masu speech as your primary mode. At N3, you must actively navigate a multi-layered system: the same thought can be expressed in at least three different registers—casual ( kudaketa ), standard polite ( teineigo ), and formal/written ( kōgo ). The distance between...

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〜がちだ — JLPT N3 Grammar

Pattern: 〜がちだ / 〜がちな Structure: Verb (masu-stem) + がちだ Noun + がちだ〜がちな + Noun (attributive) Formality: Standard (spoken and written) Meaning: "tend to ~, be prone to ~, inclined to ~" (usually negative or undesirable) Explanation 〜がちだ expresses a tendency or proneness that is usually viewed negatively or as a problem. It does not mean simply "often" — it carries the nuance that this tendency is unfortunate, undesirable, or...

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時 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 時 10 N5 日 sun/day Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ジ ji Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) とき toki time; when Meanings time o'clock hour Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 何時なんじ nanji what time N5 時間じかん jikan time / hour (duration) N5 時々ときどき tokidoki sometimes N5 三時さんじ sanji 3 o'clock N5 時計とけい tokei clock /...

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〜とはいえ — JLPT N1 Grammar

〜とはいえ Formality Level: Formal / Semi-formal — editorial writing, formal essays, news commentary, formal spoken discourse Classical/Literary Origin: とはいえ is composed of と (quotation particle) + は (contrastive topic) + いえ (imperative/realis form of いう, "to say"). The literal meaning is "even saying that ~" or "even though one would say ~." In practice, it functions as a concessive conjunction: acknowledging what was just stated as true, but then introducing...

今 — Kanji Reference

今 Property Value Meaning now Strokes 4 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) コン (kon)、キン (kin) Kun-reading (訓読み) いま (ima) Radical 人 (hito) - U+4EBA Stroke Order The stroke order follows the standard rule of top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Stroke 1: The top horizontal-diagonal stroke (the "hat"). Stroke 2: The short vertical stroke starting from the center of the first stroke. Stroke 3: The horizontal stroke forming the base of the top...

毎 — Kanji Reference

毎 Property Value Meaning every, each Strokes 6 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) マイ Kun-reading (訓読み) none Radical 母 (はは - mother) [U+6BCD] Stroke Order The kanji 毎 is written in 6 strokes. Follow the standard rule of top-to-bottom and left-to-right: Stroke 1 : The short horizontal line at the top. Stroke 2 : The vertical line with a hook at the bottom. Stroke 3 : The left dot. Stroke...

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川 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 川 3 N5 川 river Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) セン sen Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) かわ kawa river Meanings river Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 川かわ kawa river N5 川沿いかわぞい kawazoi along the river N4 川原かわら kawara riverbed N4 小川おがわ ogawa stream / brook N4 山川やまかわ yamakawa mountains and rivers N4 Stroke Order...

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〜をはじめとして / 〜をはじめとする — JLPT N2 Grammar

Pattern 〜をはじめとして / 〜をはじめとする / 〜をはじめ (o hajimete to shite / o hajimete to suru / o hajime) Structure Noun A + をはじめとして + Noun B, Noun C (verbal use, introducing others after A) Noun A + をはじめとする + Noun (group) (attributive — modifying a collective noun) Noun A + をはじめ (shortened, more colloquial) Formality Level Formal — used in written Japanese, official speeches, academic texts, and business presentations. 〜をはじめ...

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JLPT N3 Lesson 5: Advanced Conditionals and Timing

Overview At N4, you mastered the four basic conditional patterns: 〜たら (if/when, past trigger), 〜ば (if, hypothetical condition), 〜と (if, natural consequence), and 〜なら (if, given that). At N3, the conditional system expands into patterns that carry richer semantic nuances—urgency, repetition, instantaneous reaction, duration of an ongoing state, and dependency. The difference between N4 and N3 conditionals is not just grammatical complexity; it is the addition of emotional color, timing...

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〜から — From; Because

Properties Property Value Level JLPT N5 Type Particle Kanji から Meaning から (kara) has two core uses: 1. Starting point in space or time Marks where or when something begins — the origin of movement or the start of a time range. 東京から来た — came from Tokyo 3時から始まります — it starts from 3 o'clock 学校から家まで歩きます — I walk from school to home 2. Reason / cause (because) Attaches to a...

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JLPT N4 — Grammar

This page covers all major grammar patterns at the N4 level. Each entry includes the structure formula, meaning, example sentences, and notes on common errors. Patterns are grouped thematically. Section 1: Te-form Compound Patterns The te-form (〜て/で) is the most productive form in Japanese grammar. It powers over 30 separate patterns at N4. 1.1 〜てから (after doing ~, then ~) Structure : Verb-て + から Meaning : After completing action...

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〜ませんか — Won't You ~? (Invitation)

Properties Property Value Level N5 Function Polite negative question (invitation / suggestion) Register Polite Meaning ませんか is used to make a polite invitation or gentle suggestion to someone. It asks whether the other person would like to do something together. "Won't you ~ with me?" "How about ~ing?" "Would you like to ~?" It frames the invitation as a question, leaving the decision comfortably with the listener. Structure [Verb ます-stem]...

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分 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 分 4 N5 刀 knife Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) フン/ブン/ブ fun/bun/bu Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) わか-る/わ-ける waka-ru/wa-keru to understand; to divide Meanings minute part understand divide Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 五分ごふん gofun five minutes N5 十分じゅっぷん juppun ten minutes / sufficient N5 分かるわかる wakaru to understand N5 半分はんぶん hanbun half N5 自分じぶん...

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JLPT N5 Lesson 6: Daily Activities and Verbs

Overview Verbs are the engine of Japanese sentences. Unlike English verbs, Japanese verbs always come at the end of the sentence, and they conjugate in predictable patterns. The great news for learners is that Japanese has only two truly irregular verbs (する and 来る), and all other verbs follow one of two consistent patterns called u-verbs (Group 1) and ru-verbs (Group 2) . Once you identify which group a verb...

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〜ないまでも — JLPT N1 Grammar

〜ないまでも Formality Level: Formal / Semi-formal — written argument, formal requests, journalistic opinion, formal spoken debate Classical/Literary Origin: ないまでも combines the negative ない, the limit/extent marker まで (up to, as far as), and も (even). The literal parsing is "even up to the point of not doing ~" — i.e., even if we do not reach the level of [ideal action], at minimum [lesser action] should be possible or expected....

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〜てたまらない — JLPT N2 Grammar

Pattern V-て form + たまらないい-adj (く form) + てたまらないな-adj (で form) + たまらない The verb or adjective describes a feeling, sensation, or desire that has become unbearable or overwhelming. The subject is typically the speaker. Formality Neutral to Conversational . てたまらない is more conversational and immediate than てならない. It is used in everyday speech, informal writing, and casual essays. In formal writing, てならない would be preferred for emotions,...

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Technology Vocabulary — Japanese N1

Technology Vocabulary — JLPT N1 At the N1 level, technology vocabulary shifts from basic hardware to abstract concepts, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and the societal impact of digitalization. Mastering these terms is essential for reading professional news, understanding technical reports, and engaging in high-level discussions about the future of AI and digital transformation (DX). Core Vocabulary Japanese Reading Romaji English Part of Speech 脆弱性ぜいじゃくせい zeijakusei vulnerability Noun 普及ふきゅう fukyuu dissemination/diffusion...

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N4 Kanji: 便 (Convenient, Mail)

Language Learning › Learn Japanese › Skills ›

Listening

Listening is one of the most challenging skills for Japanese learners, yet it is also the skill that benefits most from consistent daily exposure. Unlike grammar study, which can feel like a checklist, listening improvement is gradual and almost invisible until suddenly natural-speed Japanese becomes comprehensible. Key Challenges 1. Vowel Devoicing Japanese devoices the vowels /i/ and /u/ in certain environments — they become nearly inaudible: す (su) between voiceless...

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〜をよそに (regardless of / oblivious to / ignoring)

〜をよそに Formality Level: Semi-formal to Formal — formal writing, literary prose, editorial commentary Classical Origin: よそ ( yoso ) means "other place / elsewhere / something unrelated." 〜をよそに literally means "sending X to a distant/unrelated place" — treating X as if it were irrelevant or far away. The pattern expresses that the subject acts as if the mentioned concern, expectation, or circumstance has nothing to do with them. Structure Form...

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Vocabulary by Frequency

Learning high-frequency words first maximizes comprehension per hour of study. The top 500 words cover ~70% of casual speech; the top 2,000 cover ~90% of most general text. Top Verbs by Frequency Rank Japanese Reading Romaji English JLPT 1 するする suru to do N5 2 あるある aru to exist/have (inanimate) N5 3 いるいる iru to exist/be (animate) N5 4 言ういう iu to say N5 5 行く...

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〜次第 — JLPT N3 Grammar

Pattern: 〜次第 Structure: Meaning 1: Verb (masu-stem) + 次第 → "as soon as [action completes]" Meaning 2: Noun + 次第だ / Noun + 次第で(は) → "it depends on ~, it is up to ~" Formality: Formal (Meaning 1 especially used in business) Meaning: As soon as ~ / Depends entirely on ~ Explanation 〜次第 has two distinct meanings at N3: Meaning 1 — "As soon as" (verb masu-stem + 次第):...

後 — Kanji Reference

後 Property Value Meaning after, behind Strokes 9 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) ゴ、コウ Kun-reading (訓読み) あと、うし-ろ、のち Radical 彳 (ぎょうにんべん - step/go) Stroke Order The kanji 後 is written in 9 strokes. Follow the standard rule of top-to-bottom, left-to-right: Stroke 1: The short top-left dash (彳). Stroke 2: The middle-left dash (彳). Stroke 3: The vertical line (彳). Stroke 4: The top horizontal line of the right component. Stroke 5:...

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先 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 先 6 N5 儿 human legs Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) セン sen Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) さき saki ahead; first; tip Meanings before ahead first previous Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 先生せんせい sensei teacher N5 先週せんしゅう senshuu last week N5 先月せんげつ sengetsu last month N5 先輩せんぱい senpai senior / upperclassman N4 先頭せんとう sentou...

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JLPT N4 Lesson 6: The Four Conditionals — Deep Dive

Overview Japanese does not have a single word for "if." Instead, it uses four distinct conditional forms — 〜たら, 〜ば, 〜なら, and 〜と — each encoding a different type of conditional relationship. While all four can often be translated as "if" in English, they are not freely interchangeable in Japanese. Using the wrong conditional can produce sentences that are grammatically awkward, socially inappropriate, or logically incorrect — and the JLPT...

車 — Kanji Reference

車 Property Value Meaning car, vehicle Strokes 7 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) シャ Kun-reading (訓読み) くるま Radical 車 (くるま) — U+8ECA Stroke Order The kanji 車 follows the standard Japanese rule of top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Stroke 1 : Horizontal line at the top. Stroke 2 : Vertical line down, turning right at the bottom (the "box" shape). Stroke 3 : Horizontal line closing the top box. Stroke 4 :...

長 — Kanji Reference

長 Property Value Meaning long, chief Strokes 8 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) チョウ Kun-reading (訓読み) なが-い、おさ Radical 長 (naga-i) — U+9577 Stroke Order The stroke order for 長 follows the standard rule of top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Note the distinct "hook" at the end of the final stroke. Stroke 1 : The short horizontal line at the top. Stroke 2 : The vertical line on the left. Stroke 3 :...

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JLPT N3 Lessons

N3 marks the B1 milestone — mid-level competence reached after roughly 600–1200 hours of study. You can follow everyday conversation, read simple newspaper articles, and handle most situations while travelling. These ten lessons build the grammar and register awareness needed to pass. Lessons # Lesson Focus 1 Formal vs. Informal Register Keigo basics, plain vs. polite switching 2 Causal Expressions Deep Dive ので、から、ため、せいで 3 Complex Conjunctions I Location and stance...

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JLPT N2 Lessons

N2 corresponds to B2 level — approximately 1,200–2,200 study hours from zero. At this level you can read newspaper articles, follow formal speech, and handle most real-world written Japanese. These lessons focus on the grammar patterns, conjunctions, and reading strategies that distinguish N2 from N3. Lessons # Lesson Focus 1 Written Japanese vs Spoken Register differences, written-only forms 2 Formal Conjunction Mastery I ところが, ただし, したがって and peers 3 Formal...

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魚 — JLPT N5 Kanji

魚 JLPT Level: N5 | Strokes: 11 | Radical: 魚 (fish) Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On-yomi ギョ gyo fish in compounds Kun-yomi さかな、うお sakana, uo sakana = fish (common); uo = fish (in compounds/poetic) Meanings Fish (Used as a food category) Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 魚さかな sakana fish N5 金魚きんぎょ kingyo goldfish N5 魚市場さかなしじょう sakana shijoo fish market N4 熱帯魚ねったいぎょ nettaigyo tropical fish...

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車 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 車 7 N5 車 vehicle Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) シャ sha Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) くるま kuruma car; wheel; vehicle Meanings vehicle car wheel Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 電車でんしゃ densha electric train N5 車くるま kuruma car / vehicle N5 自転車じてんしゃ jitensha bicycle N5 自動車じどうしゃ jidousha automobile N5 駐車場ちゅうしゃじょう chuushajou parking lot N4...

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二 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 二 2 N5 二 two Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ニ ni Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) ふた-つ futa-tsu two (native count) Meanings two second Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 二人ふたり futari two people N5 二月にがつ nigatsu February N5 二日ふつか futsuka second (of month) N5 二番にばん niban number two N5 二階にかい nikai second floor N5...

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〜も — Also; Too; Even

Properties Property Value Level JLPT N5 Type Particle Replaces は, が, を (follows に, で, へ, と, から, まで) Meaning も has three main uses: 1. Also / Too Replaces は, が, or を to indicate that the same statement applies to an additional item. Structure: [Noun] も + [Predicate] 私は行く → 私も行く I go → I also go 2. Both X and Y / Neither X nor...

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〜だけあって / 〜だけに — JLPT N2 Grammar

Pattern 〜だけあって / 〜だけに (dake atte / dake ni) Structure Noun + だけあって / だけに Verb (plain form) + だけあって / だけに I-adjective + だけあって / だけに Na-adjective + な + だけあって / だけに Formality Level Neutral to formal — used in both spoken and written Japanese. More common in formal writing and reviews. Meanings 〜だけあって: "As befitting X," "as one would expect given X." The outcome is positive and...

前 — Kanji Reference

前 Property Value Meaning before, front Strokes 9 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) ゼン Kun-reading (訓読み) まえ Radical 刂 (Rittō - sword/knife) Stroke Order The kanji 前 is written in 9 strokes. The standard order is: Stroke 1 : The top left dot (丷). Stroke 2 : The top right dot (丷). Stroke 3 : The horizontal stroke of the middle component. Stroke 4 : The vertical stroke of the...

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〜に違いない — JLPT N2 Grammar

Pattern V-plain form + に違いないい-adj-plain + に違いないな-adj + に違いない (drop だ before に違いない) Noun + に違いない (drop だ before に違いない) The clause before に違いない is the speaker's conclusion or inference. The pattern applies to all tenses: 〜したに違いない (must have done), 〜するに違いない (must do / will certainly). Formality Neutral . に違いない is used naturally across all registers — casual conversation, formal writing, news articles, and academic texts. It is...

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〜極まりない / 〜極まる (extreme — strong emotional evaluation)

〜極まりない / 〜極まる Formality Level: Semi-formal / Formal — formal criticism, editorial writing, formal complaint Classical Origin: 極まる ( kiwa-maru ) means "to reach the extreme / to be at the limit." 極まりない combines 極まり (limit/extreme) + ない (no/without) → "without limit" → "in the extreme." The negative ない adds the sense of "having no ceiling" on the quality — it is so extreme it cannot be further qualified. Structure...

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〜のみか (not only... but also — literary escalation)

〜のみか Formality Level: Formal / Literary — literary prose, editorials, formal written analysis Classical Origin: のみか combines the classical limiting particle のみ ( nomi , "only/merely" — equivalent to modern だけ) with the classical interrogative/exclamative か. In classical Japanese, のみか expressed "not just X, but [even more surprisingly] Y" — a rhetorical escalation structure. The pattern appears in kanbun (classical Chinese) influenced writing and in Heian literary prose. Modern のみか...

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〜を通じて — JLPT N2 Grammar

Pattern Noun + を通じて (predicate position) Noun + を通じた + Noun (attributive: "a Noun achieved through/throughout ~") Noun + を通して (alternative form; same meaning, slightly more conversational) The noun before を通じて is either (1) the medium or channel through which something happens, or (2) a period of time throughout which something continues. Formality Standard to Formal . を通じて is used across registers — formal essays, business communication, news articles, and...

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〜わけにはいかない — JLPT N2 Grammar

Pattern 〜わけにはいかない / 〜わけにはいきません (wake ni wa ikanai) Also: 〜ないわけにはいかない (double negative form) Structure Verb (plain form) + わけにはいかない (cannot do — social/moral prohibition) Verb (ない-form) + わけにはいかない (cannot NOT do — double negative obligation) Formality Level Neutral to formal — used in both spoken and written Japanese, though more commonly in spoken formal situations, novels, and essays. Meaning 〜わけにはいかない: "Cannot do X," "it won't do to do X," "I...

高 — Kanji Reference

高 Property Value Meaning high, expensive Strokes 10 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) コウ Kun-reading (訓読み) たか-い、たか Radical 高 (たか・い) [U+9AD8] Stroke Order The kanji 高 is written in 10 strokes. Follow the standard rule of top-to-bottom, left-to-right: Stroke 1: The top dot (center). Stroke 2: The horizontal line (top of the "mouth" structure). Stroke 3: The left vertical line of the "mouth". Stroke 4: The right corner (horizontal then...

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水 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 水 4 N5 水 water Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) スイ sui Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) みず mizu water Meanings water Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 水みず mizu water N5 水曜日すいようび suiyoubi Wednesday N5 水泳すいえい suiei swimming N4 洪水こうずい kouzui flood N3 水道すいどう suidou water supply / tap N4 Stroke Order Central vertical stroke....

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N4 Kanji: 場 (Place, Field, Site)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 場 Strokes 12 Radical 土 (earth) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi ジョウ jō Kun-yomi ば ba Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English 工場こうじょう kōjō factory 場所ばしょ basho place, location 駐車場ちゅうしゃじょう chūshajō parking lot 会場かいじょう kaijō venue, hall 広場ひろば hiroba plaza, open space Stroke Order Left radical 土 (earth). 2-12. Right side 昜 (sun rising, light). Mnemonic Earth (土)...

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Emotions Vocabulary — Japanese N1

Emotions Vocabulary — JLPT N1 At the N1 level, vocabulary regarding emotions shifts from basic feelings (happy, sad) to nuanced psychological states, complex interpersonal dynamics, and abstract mental conditions. Mastering these terms is essential for reading contemporary Japanese literature, understanding news editorials, and engaging in sophisticated professional or academic discussions about human behavior. Core Vocabulary Japanese Reading Romaji English Part of Speech 鬱屈鬱屈うっくつ ukkutsu gloom, melancholy Noun/Suru-verb 恍惚...

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〜うちに — JLPT N3 Grammar

Pattern: 〜うちに Structure: Verb (ている / dictionary) + うちに → "while [condition continues]" I-adj + うちに / Na-adj + な + うちに / Noun + の + うちに Verb (negative ない) + うちに → "before [something happens]" Formality: Standard (both spoken and written) Meaning: "while ~, during the time that ~, before it's too late / before ~ happens" Explanation 〜うちに expresses action taken within a window of time that...

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〜ことなく (without doing — literary absolute negation)

〜ことなく Formality Level: Literary / Formal — literary prose, formal writing, academic writing Classical Origin: ことなく derives from the classical nominaliser こと (the abstract event/fact of doing X) + なく (classical negative gerundive of ない). The construction means "without the event/fact of doing X occurring." The classical nominaliser こと adds an abstract, distanced quality that makes ことなく more literary and absolute than the functional negative ずに. Structure Form Example V...

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JLPT N5 — 10 Structured Lessons

Ten progressive lessons guide you from zero to N5-ready. Each lesson covers new vocabulary, grammar focus, sample dialogues (with romaji and English), and practice exercises. Lesson 1: Hiragana Mastery + First Greetings Learning Objectives Read and write all 46 basic hiragana characters Use 10 core greetings and expressions correctly Understand when to use formal vs casual speech Hiragana Chart — a i u e o (none) あいうえ...

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N4 Kanji: 風 (Wind)

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半 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 半 5 N5 十 ten Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ハン han Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) なか-ば naka-ba half; middle Meanings half semi- Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 半分はんぶん hanbun half N5 三時半さんじはん sanji han 3:30 N5 半年はんとし hantoshi half a year N5 前半ぜんはん zenhan first half N4 後半こうはん kouha second half N4 Stroke...

英 — Kanji Reference

英 Property Value Meaning English, heroic Strokes 8 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) エイ Kun-reading (訓読み) none Radical 艹 (Grass radical / くさかんむり - U+8279) Stroke Order The kanji 英 follows standard Japanese calligraphy rules: top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Stroke 1 : Horizontal line on the left of the top radical. Stroke 2 : Vertical line on the left. Stroke 3 : Vertical line on the right. Stroke 4 : Horizontal...

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〜そうだ (appearance) — Japanese Grammar

〜そうだ (appearance) Property Value Pattern 〜そうだ (appearance) JLPT Level N4 Type appearance Formality Neutral Register Both (Spoken and Written) Meaning The pattern 〜そうだ (sō da) is used to express that something appears to be a certain way based on visual observation. It translates to "looks like," "seems like," or "appears to be." It is used when you make a judgment based on what you see at that moment. Structure Formula...

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〜にもかかわらず — JLPT N1 Grammar

〜にもかかわらず Formality Level: Formal / Semi-formal — news articles, business writing, academic prose, formal speeches Classical/Literary Origin: かかわらず is the negative form of かかわる ("to be related to, to concern, to be bound by"). The full form にもかかわらず literally means "even without being bound by ~" or "without letting ~ affect the outcome." It entered standard written Japanese through formal registers and remains strongly associated with careful, edited prose. Structure...

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〜ならいざしらず — JLPT N1 Grammar

〜ならいざしらず Formality Level: Formal / Literary — editorial writing, formal debates, literary fiction, written criticism Classical/Literary Origin: いざしらず is a classical Japanese expression combining いざ (an archaic exclamatory/transitional word, equivalent to "well now, as for") and しらず (the negative of 知る, "not knowing / I do not know"). Together, いざしらず means roughly "I don't know about that / leaving that aside / setting aside the question of." When preceded by...

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〜といえども (although / even though — formal concessive)

〜といえども Formality Level: Formal / Literary — formal speeches, legal documents, academic argumentation Classical Origin: といえども derives from と (quotative particle) + 言え (imperative/conditional form of 言う, "to say") + ども (classical concessive particle). In classical Japanese, ども was the standard concessive particle (equivalent to modern けれども). The literal meaning is "even if one were to say that X." The pattern appears throughout medieval Japanese legal and philosophical texts and...

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〜べく — JLPT N1 Grammar

〜べく Formality Level: Formal / Written / Literary — official documents, formal reports, literary fiction, academic writing, editorial prose Classical/Literary Origin: べく is the adverbial (連用形) form of the classical auxiliary べし, which expressed strong obligation ("must, should") or strong probability ("certainly will"). In its adverbial form, べく came to express purpose: "in order to [do what one must/should do]." In modern Japanese, べく has narrowed to a formal written...

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JLPT N4 — Elementary A2

JLPT N4 marks the transition from absolute beginner to elementary Japanese. You can handle everyday conversations on familiar topics, understand the general meaning of simple written passages, and navigate basic situations in Japan. It corresponds to approximately 300–600 total hours of study from zero. Level Overview Item Count Vocabulary (approximate, cumulative) ~1,500 words New kanji at this level ~181 Cumulative kanji ~284 Grammar points ~150 patterns CEFR equivalent A2 Estimated...

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〜と言う — Japanese Grammar

〜と言う Property Value Pattern 〜と言う JLPT Level N4 Type quotation Formality Neutral Register Both Meaning The pattern 〜と言う (to iu) is used to quote someone, define a term, or report information. It literally translates to "to say [that]..." or "called [name]." It is the fundamental way to introduce indirect speech or labels in Japanese. Structure Formula [Plain form sentence] + と言う [Noun] + と言う Plain form sentence: Includes verbs, i-adjectives,...

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〜かもしれない — Japanese Grammar

〜かもしれない Property Value Pattern 〜かもしれない JLPT Level N4 Type probability Formality Neutral (can be made polite with です) Register Both spoken and written Meaning The pattern 〜かもしれない (kamoshirenai) expresses a subjective possibility or a guess. It translates to "might," "may," or "it is possible that." It indicates that the speaker is not certain about the outcome or situation but acknowledges it as a potential reality. Structure Formula [Verb / い-adjective]...

足 — Kanji Reference

足 Property Value Meaning foot, leg Strokes 7 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) ソク Kun-reading (訓読み) あし、た-りる Radical 足 (あしへん - ashi-hen) [U+8DB3] Stroke Order The kanji 足 is written in 7 strokes, following the standard top-to-bottom, left-to-right rule. Stroke 1 : The top vertical line (the "mouth" component top). Stroke 2 : The top-left corner of the "mouth" (horizontal then vertical). Stroke 3 : The bottom horizontal line of...

西 — Kanji Reference

西 Property Value Meaning west Strokes 6 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) セイ、サイ Kun-reading (訓読み) にし Radical 酉 (とり - bird/wine vessel) [U+9149] Stroke Order The stroke order for 西 follows the standard rule of top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Note that the "box" shape is formed by the first, second, and fifth strokes. Stroke 1: Horizontal line at the top. Stroke 2: Vertical line down the left side, then turning right...

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〜と — Japanese Grammar

〜と Property Value Pattern 〜と JLPT Level N4 Type conditional Formality Neutral Register Both Meaning The 〜と conditional expresses a natural, inevitable, or mechanical consequence. It is used to state that "whenever X happens, Y always follows" or "if X happens, Y will happen as a direct result." Structure Formula [Verb dictionary form] + と [い-adj (dictionary form)] + と [な-adj (stem)] + だ + と [Noun] + だ +...

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〜ないでもない — JLPT N1 Grammar

〜ないでもない Formality Level: Semi-formal / Formal — written and spoken formal contexts; careful speech; essays; indirect polite communication Classical/Literary Origin: ないでもない is a double negative construction: ない (negative) + でも (even/also) + ない (negative). The literal parsing is "it is not the case that ~ is not possible/does not exist" — i.e., the negation of a negation, which produces a weak affirmative. This structure is closely related to 〜なくもない (also...

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見 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 見 7 N5 見 see Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ケン ken Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) み-る/み-える/み-せる mi-ru/mi-eru/mi-seru to see; to look Meanings see look show Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 見るみる miru to see / watch N5 見えるみえる mieru to be visible N5 見せるみせる miseru to show N5 意見いけん iken opinion N4 見物けんぶつ...

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大 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 大 3 N5 大 big Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ダイ/タイ dai/tai Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) おお-きい oo-kii big; large Meanings big large great Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 大きいおおきい ookii big / large N5 大学だいがく daigaku university N5 大人おとな otona adult N5 大切たいせつ taisetsu important / precious N5 大丈夫だいじょうぶ daijoubu all right /...

子 — Kanji Reference

子 Property Value Meaning child Strokes 3 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) シ、ス Kun-reading (訓読み) こ Radical 子 (child) [U+5B50] Stroke Order The kanji 子 is written in 3 strokes: Stroke 1: A horizontal stroke that curves slightly downward at the end, starting from the left. Stroke 2: A vertical stroke that curves into a hook (hane) at the bottom. Stroke 3: A horizontal stroke that crosses the vertical line,...

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〜ことなしに — JLPT N3 Grammar

Pattern: 〜ことなしに Structure: Verb (dictionary form) + ことなしに + [result/following action] Formality: Formal / Written Meaning: "without doing ~, without ~ occurring" Explanation 〜ことなしに expresses that the result in the second clause occurs without the prerequisite action in the first clause . It emphasizes that something normally expected or necessary did NOT happen. The second clause often describes an action that logically should require the first clause. It is formal...

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JLPT N4 Lesson 1: Plain Form Mastery

Overview Welcome to your first step in JLPT N4! In N5, you primarily learned the polite form ( teineigo ), ending sentences with 〜ます ( -masu ) and 〜です ( -desu ). While polite form is essential for speaking with strangers, teachers, and superiors, the plain form ( futsuukei / 普通形) is the true heartbeat of daily Japanese. It is the register used among close friends, family, and classmates. More...

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〜です — Copula (Polite Be)

Properties Property Value Level JLPT N5 Type Copula Register Polite (丁寧語) Meaning です ( desu ) is the polite copula in Japanese. It links a noun or な-adjective to the predicate of a sentence, functioning as "is / am / are" in English. It carries no tense or aspect of its own beyond the forms shown below, and it never attaches directly to い-adjectives to form their predicate — those...

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これ / それ / あれ / どれ — Demonstrative Pronouns

Properties Property Value Level JLPT N5 Category Demonstrative pronouns Register Neutral The こそあど System Japanese demonstratives follow a four-way ko-so-a-do (こそあど) pattern based on the spatial relationship between the speaker, listener, and the object being referred to. Series Pronoun (thing) Adjective (this~) Place Direction こ (near speaker) これこのこここちらそ (near listener) それそのそこそちらあ (far from both) あれあのあそこあちらど (question) どれどの...

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〜ならでは (unique to / only possible with)

〜ならでは Formality Level: Formal / Semi-formal — journalism, advertising, formal speech, travel writing Classical/Literary Origin: ならでは derives from classical Japanese: なら (classical copula, conditional form of なり) + で (classical negative/instrumental particle) + は (contrastive topic). In classical Japanese, 〜ならでは literally meant "if it were not for X" and carried a negative implication: "only X could do this; nothing else could." The modern pattern retains this exclusivity logic but is...

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黒 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 黒 11 N5 黒 black Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) コク koku Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) くろ/くろ-い kuro/kuro-i black Meanings black Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 黒いくろい kuroi black N5 黒板こくばん kokuban blackboard / chalkboard N5 黒字くろじ kuroji profit / in the black N3 白黒しろくろ shirokuro black and white N4 黒猫くろねこ kuroneko black cat...

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N4 Kanji: 橋 (Bridge)

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五 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 五 4 N5 二 two Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ゴ go Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) いつ-つ itsu-tsu five (native count) Meanings five Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 五人ごにん gonin five people N5 五月ごがつ gogatsu May N5 五日いつか itsuka fifth (of month) N5 五時ごじ goji 5 o'clock N5 五十ごじゅう gojuu fifty N5 Stroke Order...

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校 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 校 10 N5 木 tree/wood Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) コウ kou Chinese-origin (音読み) Meanings school compare proofread Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 学校がっこう gakkou school N5 小学校しょうがっこう shougakkou elementary school N5 高校こうこう koukou high school N5 校長こうちょう kouchou school principal N4 校庭こうてい koutei schoolyard N4 Stroke Order Left: 木 (tree, 4 strokes). Right:...

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Learning Methodology

How you study Japanese matters as much as how much you study. This section covers learning principles backed by research, common mistakes to avoid, and how to build a sustainable routine. Core Principles 1. Comprehensible Input is Primary Research by Stephen Krashen and others shows that language is acquired through exposure to messages we can understand — "comprehensible input" — rather than through conscious study of grammar rules. This means:...

九 — Kanji Reference

九 Property Value Meaning nine Strokes 2 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) キュウ、ク Kun-reading (訓読み) ここの、ここの-つ Radical 乙 (おつ - otsu) U+4E59 Stroke Order The kanji 九 is written in 2 strokes following the standard rule of top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Stroke 1 (撇 - he): Start from the top left, draw a curved diagonal line downward to the left. Stroke 2 (横折彎鉤 - ō-ore-wan-kō): Start from the top center, draw...

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入 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 入 2 N5 入 enter Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ニュウ/ジュ nyuu/ju Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) い-る/い-れる/はい-る i-ru/i-reru/hai-ru to enter; to put in Meanings enter put in income Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 入るはいる hairu to enter N5 入れるいれる ireru to put in / insert N5 入口いりぐち iriguchi entrance N5 入学にゅうがく nyuugaku school enrollment N5...

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Grammar

Japanese grammar is structurally unlike English, but it follows consistent patterns once understood. This guide covers the core grammar framework — particles, verb groups, conjugation forms, and key sentence patterns — organized from N5 to N2 difficulty. Core Structural Differences from English Feature English Japanese Word order SVO (I eat sushi) SOV (私はすしを食べる — I sushi eat) Verb position 2nd element Always last Articles a, an, the None Plural marking...

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N4 Kanji: 医 (Medicine, Doctor)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 医 Strokes 7 Radical 匸 (hiding) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi イ i Kun-yomi — (no common kun) — Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English 医者いしゃ isha doctor 医学いがく igaku medical science 医院いいん iin clinic 医療いりょう iryō medical treatment 歯医者はいしゃ haisha dentist Stroke Order Outer 匸 (box/hiding). 2-5. Inner 矢 (arrow). 6-7. 又 (hand) at bottom right. Mnemonic...

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Travel Vocabulary

Travel vocabulary is practical and high-frequency for anyone visiting Japan. Japanese public transportation is world-class but requires knowing key vocabulary to navigate confidently. Transportation Japanese Reading Romaji English 電車でんしゃ densha train (electric) 地下鉄ちかてつ chikatetsu subway; underground 新幹線しんかんせん shinkansen bullet train (shinkansen) バスバス basu bus タクシータクシー takushii taxi 飛行機ひこうき hikouki airplane 船ふね fune ship; boat 自転車じてんしゃ jitensha bicycle バイクバイク baiku motorcycle 車...

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〜てあげる — Japanese Grammar

〜てあげる Property Value Pattern 〜てあげる JLPT Level N4 Type giving Formality Neutral to Casual Register Spoken Meaning The pattern 〜てあげる (~te ageru) expresses that the speaker or a third party performs an action for the benefit of someone else. It conveys the nuance of "doing a favor for someone" or "doing something for someone's sake." Structure Formula [Verb て-form] + あげる Verb て-form: The main verb must be in the...

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〜わけではない — JLPT N3 Grammar

Pattern: 〜わけではない / 〜わけじゃない Structure: Verb / Adjective / Noun + (という)わけではない Often preceded by: からといって (just because), 必ずしも (not necessarily) Formality: Standard (both spoken and written; じゃない is casual) Meaning: "it doesn't mean that ~, it's not that ~, not necessarily ~" Explanation 〜わけではない expresses partial negation of an assumption or inference. The speaker is saying: "don't draw that conclusion — it's not exactly as you might think." This...

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Body and Health Vocabulary

Body and health vocabulary is essential for daily life and medical situations in Japan. Most basic body parts are N5–N4 level; detailed medical terminology appears at N3 and beyond. Head and Face Japanese Reading Romaji English 頭あたま atama head 顔かお kao face 目め me eye 耳みみ mimi ear 鼻はな hana nose 口くち kuchi mouth 歯は ha tooth/teeth 舌した shita tongue 唇くちびる...

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JLPT N5 Lesson 7: Shopping and Money

Overview Shopping is one of the most practical and frequent activities you will engage in while visiting or living in Japan. Whether you are at a convenience store ( konbini ), a supermarket, or a department store, being able to inquire about prices and request items is essential for daily survival. This lesson builds upon your knowledge of basic sentence structures and introduces the vocabulary of commerce and the logic...

道 — Kanji Reference

道 Property Value Meaning road, way, path, street Strokes 12 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) ドウ、トウ Kun-reading (訓読み) みち Radical 辶 (しんにょう - shinnyō) [U+8FB6] Stroke Order The character 道 follows the standard rule of writing the internal component first, followed by the radical (the "walking" component) which wraps around the bottom and right. Top component (首): Stroke 1: Dot (top) Stroke 2: Horizontal Stroke 3: Vertical Stroke 4: Horizontal...

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〜といっても — JLPT N2 Grammar

Pattern Noun + といっても、[qualification] V-plain / Adj-plain + といっても、[qualification] Na-adj + だといっても / といっても、[qualification] The element before といっても is a statement, description, or label. What follows is a qualification or correction that prevents the listener from overinterpreting it. Formality Neutral . といっても is used naturally in both casual conversation and formal writing. It is common in essays, explanations, and everyday spoken Japanese where the speaker wants to manage the listener's...

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N4 Kanji: 秋 (Autumn, Fall)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 秋 Strokes 9 Radical 禾 (grain) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi シュウ shū Kun-yomi あき aki Vocabulary | 秋 | あき | aki | autumn, fall | | 秋分 | しゅうぶん | shūbun | autumn equinox | | 秋祭り | あきまつり | akimatsuri | autumn festival | | 春秋 | しゅんじゅう | shunjū | spring and autumn; years | | 秋空 |...

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全然 (ぜんぜん) — Japanese Vocabulary

全然 — ぜんぜん (zenzen) Part of speech: adverb JLPT level: N4 Reading: ぜんぜん (zenzen) Meaning: not at all; completely (when used with negative verbs) Word Breakdown 全 (ぜん): This kanji means "all," "whole," or "entire." It is a common component in words denoting completeness. On-yomi: ゼン (zen) Kun-yomi: まった(く) (matta-ku), すべ(て) (sube-te) The word 全然 is a reduplication of the kanji 全, emphasizing the sense of "entirely" or "wholly." In...

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〜ば — Japanese Grammar

〜ば Property Value Pattern 〜ば JLPT Level N4 Type conditional Formality Neutral Register Both (Spoken and Written) Meaning The 〜ば (ba) conditional expresses a "if/then" relationship where the second clause is a natural or logical result of the first. It is often used to state a requirement or a condition that must be met for something else to happen. Structure Formula Verbs Affirmative: [Verb E-stem] + ば Example: 行く (iku)...

赤 — Kanji Reference

赤 Property Value Meaning red Strokes 7 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) セキ、シャク Kun-reading (訓読み) あか、あか-い Radical 大 (dai - big) Stroke Order The kanji 赤 is written in 7 strokes. Follow the standard rule of top-to-bottom and left-to-right: Stroke 1 : The short horizontal line at the top. Stroke 2 : The left vertical stroke of the top component. Stroke 3 : The right vertical stroke of the top...

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JLPT N5 — Vocabulary (All ~800 Words)

This page lists all ~800 JLPT N5 vocabulary words grouped by category. Verb entries show dictionary form , て-form , た-form , and English meaning. People Japanese Reading Romaji English Part of Speech JLPT 私わたし watashi I; me Pronoun N5 僕ぼく boku I; me (masculine) Pronoun N5 あなたあなた anata you Pronoun N5 彼かれ kare he; him; boyfriend Pronoun N5 彼女かのじょ kanojo she; her; girlfriend Pronoun...

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JLPT N4 Lesson 7: Passive and Causative

Overview At N5, all your sentences were in the active voice : the subject does the action to an object. At N4, you master two new voices that dramatically expand what you can express: the passive voice (〜られる/〜れる), where the subject receives an action done by someone else, and the causative voice (〜させる/〜せる), where the subject causes or allows someone else to do something. Combining these two gives the causative-passive...

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百 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 百 6 N5 白 white Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ヒャク hyaku Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) もも momo hundred (archaic) Meanings hundred Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 百円ひゃくえん hyaku-en 100 yen N5 三百さんびゃく sanbyaku 300 N5 百貨店ひゃっかてん hyakkaten department store N4 二百にひゃく nihyaku 200 N5 六百ろっぴゃく roppyaku 600 N5 Stroke Order Horizontal stroke at...

天 — Kanji Reference

天 Property Value Meaning heaven, sky Strokes 4 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) テン Kun-reading (訓読み) あめ、あま Radical 大 (dai - big) [U+5927] Stroke Order The character 天 follows standard Japanese stroke order rules: top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Stroke 1: A short horizontal line at the top. Stroke 2: A second, slightly longer horizontal line below the first. Stroke 3: A left-slanting stroke (払 - harai ) starting from the center...

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〜に沿って / 〜に沿った — JLPT N2 Grammar

Pattern 〜に沿って / 〜に沿った (ni sotte / ni sotta) Structure Noun + に沿って (followed by verb) Noun + に沿った + Noun (attributive — modifying a noun) Formality Level Formal to neutral — used in business planning, policy documents, academic discourse. Also used in everyday formal speech. Meaning "In line with X," "along X," "following the course of X." Expresses that an action proceeds consistently with a pre-defined direction, plan, policy,...

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JLPT N4 — Structured Lessons

Ten structured lessons to guide you through N4 content. Each lesson has learning objectives, key vocabulary, grammar focus, two dialogues with full translations, and practice exercises. Work through them in order — each builds on the previous. Lesson 1: From N5 to N4 — Plain Form and Politeness Levels Objectives Understand the difference between plain (dictionary) form and polite (〜ます/〜です) form Know when to use each register Recognize plain form...

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伝える (つたえる) — Japanese Vocabulary

伝える — つたえる (tsutaeru) Part of speech: verb-ru (transitive) JLPT level: N4 Reading: つたえる (tsutaeru) Meaning: to convey, tell, report, transmit, communicate Word Breakdown Kanji: 伝 Meaning: transmit, report, communicate, legend On-yomi (音読み): デン (den) Kun-yomi (訓読み): つた(える), つた(わる), つて (tsute) The kanji 伝 consists of the radical 人 (person) and 云 (to say). It visually represents a person passing information along to another. All Readings On-yomi (音読み): デン (den)...

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N4 Kanji: 公 (Public, Official)

女 — Kanji Reference

女 Property Value Meaning woman, female Strokes 3 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) ジョ、ニョ Kun-reading (訓読み) おんな、め Radical 女 (Onna) - U+5973 Stroke Order The character 女 is written in 3 strokes. Follow the standard top-to-bottom, left-to-right rule: Stroke 1 : A diagonal stroke starting from the top right, sweeping down to the left. Stroke 2 : A short horizontal stroke starting from the left, moving right, and ending in...

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JLPT N2 Lesson 4: Nuanced Negation

Overview In the N2 level, effective communication moves beyond simple "yes" or "no" answers. To navigate professional and social environments in Japan, learners must master "nuanced negation"—the ability to soften a refusal, express a reluctant obligation, or clarify that a statement is not an absolute truth. This lesson focuses on the linguistic tools required to express these subtleties, which are essential for maintaining wa (harmony) in Japanese society. By mastering...

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〜たところ — JLPT N2 Grammar

Pattern 〜たところ (ta tokoro) Structure Verb (た-form/past) + ところ Typically followed by a discovery verb: 分かった, 判明した, 見つかった, あった, なかった, etc. Formality Level Neutral to formal — used in business reports, investigation summaries, academic writing, and formal correspondence. Also natural in spoken formal Japanese. Meaning "Upon doing X, [I discovered/found that] Y." Expresses that after completing an action, the speaker encountered or discovered an unexpected or noteworthy result. The key...

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〜さえ〜ば — JLPT N3 Grammar

Pattern: 〜さえ〜ば Structure: Noun + さえ + [conditional ば/なら] → "if only ~, as long as ~" Verb (masu-stem) + さえ + すれば → "if only one does ~" Verb (TE-form) + さえ + いれば → "as long as one is doing/maintaining ~" I-adj (stem) + さえ + あれば/〜ければ Formality: Standard (spoken and written) Meaning: "if only ~, as long as ~" — minimal sufficient condition Explanation 〜さえ〜ば marks a...

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Vocabulary

Japanese vocabulary is organized here by frequency (high-impact words for general comprehension) and by thematic topic (for situational fluency). Choose the section most relevant to your current study goals. Vocabulary by Section Section Description Frequency Lists Top words by corpus frequency — maximum ROI Thematic Vocabulary Words grouped by topic for situational use How Much Vocabulary Do You Need? Goal Vocabulary size Tourist survival ~500–800 words JLPT N5 ~800 words...

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上 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 上 3 N5 一 one Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ジョウ/ショウ jou/shou Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) うえ/うわ/かみ/のぼ-る/あ-がる ue/uwa/kami/nobo-ru/a-garu above; upper; to go up Meanings above upper up ascend Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 上うえ ue above / top N5 上手じょうず jouzu skilled / good at N5 以上いじょう ijou more than / above N4 上がるあがる agaru...

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〜ばかりか — JLPT N2 Grammar

Pattern Noun + ばかりか、~ も / さえ / まで + [verb/predicate] V-plain / Adj-plain + ばかりか、~ も / さえ / まで + [verb/predicate] The element after ばかりか (introduced with も, さえ, or まで) is the surprising or more extreme additional item. The predicate applies to both items. Formality Neutral to Formal . ばかりか is used in both written and spoken Japanese. It is more emphatic than だけでなく and tends to...

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〜きらいがある (tendency — negative characteristic)

〜きらいがある Formality Level: Semi-formal — formal commentary, essay writing, analytical language Classical Origin: きらい ( kirai ) in this grammatical context does not mean "dislike" (嫌い) but rather derives from an older noun meaning "tendency" or "inclination" (as in 気らい, a reading of 気). The expression 〜きらいがある means "there is a tendency of that kind" — and this tendency is always negative or problematic in some way. Structure Form Example...

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社会 (しゃかい) — Japanese Vocabulary

社会 — しゃかい (shakai) Part of speech: noun JLPT level: N4 Reading: しゃかい (shakai) Meaning: society Word Breakdown 社 (sha): Company, shrine, society. On-yomi: シャ (sha) Kun-yomi: やしろ (yashiro) 会 (kai): Meeting, assembly, association. On-yomi: カイ (kai), エ (e) Kun-yomi: あ(う) (a-u) Etymology: The term shakai was coined in the Meiji period as a translation for the Western concept of "society." It combines "group/shrine" (社) and "meeting/gathering" (会), representing a...

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あります / います — Existence of Things and Beings

Properties Property Value Level N5 Type Stative verb Register Neutral Meaning These two verbs both express existence or presence , but they apply to different categories: あります — used for inanimate things : objects, plants, events, scheduled items, abstract situations います — used for animate beings : people, animals, insects Structure [Subject が] + [Location に] + あります / います The subject particle が marks what exists. The location particle...

耳 — Kanji Reference

耳 Property Value Meaning ear Strokes 6 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) ジ Kun-reading (訓読み) みみ Radical 耳 (mimi) — U+8033 Stroke Order The kanji 耳 follows the standard rule of top-to-bottom and left-to-right. It is written in 6 strokes: Stroke 1: A short horizontal line at the top. Stroke 2: A long vertical line on the left. Stroke 3: A short horizontal line connecting to the vertical line. Stroke...

左 — Kanji Reference

左 Property Value Meaning left Strokes 5 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) サ Kun-reading (訓読み) ひだり Radical 工 (たくみ/こう) [U+5DE5] Stroke Order The stroke order for 左 follows the rule of writing horizontal strokes before vertical/diagonal ones, and top-to-bottom. Stroke 1 : A short horizontal stroke starting from the top left. Stroke 2 : A long, sweeping diagonal stroke starting from the top center, moving down to the left. Stroke...

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Katakana

Katakana (カタカナ) is the second Japanese phonetic syllabary. It encodes the same sounds as hiragana but with distinct, angular shapes. It is used primarily for foreign loanwords, foreign names, technical terms, and emphasis — and it appears constantly in modern Japanese, especially in food, technology, and pop culture contexts. The Katakana Gojuuon Chart a i u e o ∅ ア a イ i ウ u エ e オ o k...

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週 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 週 11 N5 辵 walk/movement Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) シュウ shuu Chinese-origin (音読み) Meanings week Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 今週こんしゅう konshuu this week N5 来週らいしゅう raishuu next week N5 先週せんしゅう senshuu last week N5 毎週まいしゅう maishuu every week N5 週末しゅうまつ shuumatsu weekend N5 Stroke Order Left: 辶 (movement radical, 3 strokes). Right:...

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〜どころか — JLPT N3 Grammar

Pattern: 〜どころか Structure: Noun / Verb (plain) / Adjective + どころか + [contrary or amplified result] Formality: Standard (spoken and written) Meaning: "far from ~, let alone ~, on the contrary ~" Explanation 〜どころか expresses a strong unexpected contrast : "the reality is not just different from A — it is the opposite, or something even more extreme." Two uses: Use 1 — "Far from A, actually [the opposite/worse]": The...

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〜わけがない — JLPT N3 Grammar

Pattern: 〜わけがない / 〜わけはない Structure: Verb / Adjective / Noun + わけがない Common: Plain form + わけがない Formality: Standard (spoken and written) Meaning: "there's no way ~, it's impossible that ~, there's no reason why ~" Explanation 〜わけがない expresses the speaker's strong conviction that something is logically or fundamentally impossible . わけ means "reason/logic," so わけがない literally means "there is no logical reason for this to be the case." It...

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月 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 月 4 N5 月 moon Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ゲツ/ガツ getsu/gatsu Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) つき tsuki moon; month Meanings moon month Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 一月いちがつ ichigatsu January N5 今月こんげつ kongetsu this month N5 先月せんげつ sengetsu last month N5 月曜日げつようび getsuyoubi Monday N5 来月らいげつ raigetsu next month N5 Stroke Order Left...

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JLPT N3 — Kanji (184 New, 651 Cumulative)

N3 introduces 184 new kanji (651 cumulative). These kanji shift from the concrete vocabulary of N5/N4 to abstract, social, and intellectual concepts. Multiple readings become a bigger challenge — many N3 kanji have 3+ readings. Learning kanji through compound words (熟語, jukugo) rather than in isolation is the most effective approach at this level. How N3 Kanji Differ from N4 More abstract meanings : 識 (knowledge/identify), 察 (perceive), 絡 (entangle/connect)...

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JLPT N5 — Kanji (All 103)

All 103 JLPT N5 kanji are listed below with stroke count, readings, meanings, and vocabulary examples. On-yomi (Chinese-derived readings) are shown in katakana; kun-yomi (native Japanese readings) are shown in hiragana. Reading tip : Example words are shown as kanji + reading + meaning . Numbers Kanji Strokes On-yomi Kun-yomi Meaning Example Words 一 1 イチ、イツひと(つ) one 一つ (hitotsu, one thing); 一月 (ichigatsu, January); 一番 (ichiban, number one) 二...

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JLPT N2 Grammar Patterns — Individual Lesson Pages

This section provides individual deep-dive pages for key JLPT N2 grammar patterns. Each page covers the pattern's structure, register, meaning, contextual nuance, example sentences with romaji and translation, common mistakes, and comparisons with similar expressions. For a comprehensive reference list of all 200+ N2 grammar patterns arranged thematically, see the N2 Grammar Overview . Formal Connectives and Conjunctions These patterns appear constantly in written Japanese — newspapers, academic papers, business...

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〜に基づいて — JLPT N2 Grammar

Pattern Noun + に基づいて (predicate position: used before a verb) Noun + に基づく + Noun (attributive: modifies the following noun) Noun + に基づいた + Noun (attributive, past-tense form; slightly more natural in running text) Noun + に基づき (formal/written abbreviation) The noun before に基づいて is the foundation, standard, evidence, or authority on which the following action or judgment rests. Formality Formal . に基づいて is the formal register word for "based on."...

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〜はもとより — JLPT N2 Grammar

Pattern Noun A + はもとより、Noun B も + [verb/predicate] Noun A + はもとより、Noun B さえ + [verb/predicate] (even more emphatic) Both A and B share the same predicate. A is the expected or obvious item; B is the additional, often more surprising or extended item. Formality Formal / Written . はもとより is most common in formal written Japanese — essays, formal speeches, business writing, and news articles. In casual speech,...

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〜に値する / 〜に値しない (deserving of / undeserving of)

〜に値する / 〜に値しない Formality Level: Formal / Semi-formal — academic writing, editorial criticism, formal evaluation Classical Origin: 値する ( atai suru ) derives from 値 ( atai , value/worth) + する (to do/be). Classical usage: 値 referred to the price or value of something. The modern 〜に値する extends this to abstract worthiness: "having the value to justify X" or "meriting X." Structure Form Example V-dict + に値する称賛に値する V-dict +...

金 — Kanji Reference

金 Property Value Meaning gold, money Strokes 8 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) キン、コン Kun-reading (訓読み) かね、かな Radical 金 (kane-hen) [U+91D1] Stroke Order The character follows the standard rule of top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Stroke 1 : The top dot (left). Stroke 2 : The top dot (right). Stroke 3 : The horizontal top bar. Stroke 4 : The long horizontal bar below the top. Stroke 5 : The vertical line...

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白 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 白 5 N5 白 white Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ハク/ビャク haku/byaku Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) しろ/しろ-い shiro/shiro-i white Meanings white blank clear Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 白いしろい shiroi white N5 白紙はくし hakushi blank paper N4 白黒しろくろ shirokuro black and white N4 面白いおもしろい omoshiroi interesting / funny N5 告白こくはく kokuhaku confession N3 Stroke...

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JLPT N1 Grammar Patterns

This section contains 35 individual grammar pattern pages for JLPT N1. Each page covers: Classical or literary origin of the pattern Formality level (Formal / Literary / Archaic / Semi-formal) Structure and formation rules Full meaning and usage explanation 5 or more authentic-level example sentences Comparison with the N2 equivalent When NOT to use the pattern These patterns span the range from semi-formal discourse connectors to fully archaic literary forms...

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Writing

Writing Japanese involves two distinct challenges: physical kanji writing (stroke order, character shape, handwriting practice) and digital composition (IME input, keyboard skills, written grammar). This guide covers both. Physical Writing: Kanji by Hand Why Physical Writing Matters Even in the age of smartphones and keyboards, physical kanji writing practice provides unique benefits: Deeper encoding : Writing forces active retrieval and motor memory encoding, resulting in stronger retention Recognition speed :...

店 — Kanji Reference

店 Property Value Meaning store, shop Strokes 8 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) テン Kun-reading (訓読み) みせ Radical 广 (madare / "dotted cliff") [U+5E7F] Stroke Order The character 店 is written in 8 strokes. Follow the general rules of top-to-bottom and left-to-right: Stroke 1: The top dot (the "roof" peak). Stroke 2: The horizontal line starting from the top left, turning into a downward stroke to the left. Stroke 3:...

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JLPT N5 Lesson 1: The Japanese Writing System

Introduction to Japanese Scripts Japanese is unique among world languages for its use of three distinct writing systems: Hiragana (ひらがな) , Katakana (カタカナ) , and Kanji (漢字) . Hiragana: The foundational script. It is used for grammatical particles, verb endings, and native Japanese words. Katakana: The angular script. It is primarily used for foreign loanwords, names of people from outside Japan, and onomatopoeia. Kanji: Chinese characters used to represent concepts...

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JLPT N2 — Upper-intermediate B2

JLPT N2 is the most practically valuable Japanese certification for non-native speakers. It is the minimum level cited by most Japanese employers and many universities for admission. At N2, you can read newspapers, follow news programs, handle professional email correspondence, and watch most anime and dramas without subtitles. Estimated study time: 1,200–2,200 total hours from zero. Level Overview Item Count Vocabulary (approximate, cumulative) ~6,000 words New kanji at this level...

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〜のもとで / 〜のもとに — JLPT N2 Grammar

Pattern 〜のもとで / 〜のもとに (no moto de / no moto ni) Structure Noun + のもとで (under X, doing something) Noun + のもとに (under X, as basis/condition — slightly more formal/literary) Formality Level Formal — used in legal texts, official policy documents, academic contexts. 〜のもとに is slightly more literary. Meaning "Under X," "under the conditions/authority/supervision of X." Expresses that an action takes place within an established framework, under authority, supervision, or...

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〜限りだ (nothing but — strong emotion expression)

〜限りだ Formality Level: Semi-formal — formal personal expression, formal speeches, letters of appreciation or criticism Classical Origin: 限り ( kagiri ) means "limit / extent / boundary." 〜限りだ literally means "it is to the limit of [emotion]" — the speaker's emotional state is at its maximum extent. This pattern is used to express the peak or full extent of a feeling. Structure Form Example い-Adj + 限りだ嬉しい限りだな-Adj +...

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JLPT N3 — Grammar (~200 Patterns)

N3 grammar is a major step up from N4. The patterns are longer, context-dependent, and often have subtle distinctions that require you to understand the nuance — not just the rule. Many patterns look similar (〜ために vs 〜ので vs 〜から) but carry different registers, focus, and implications. This page covers all ~200 N3 grammar patterns with full explanations and examples. How to Use This Page Each grammar entry follows this...

二 — Kanji Reference

二 Property Value Meaning two Strokes 2 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) ニ Kun-reading (訓読み) ふた、ふた-つ Radical 二 (に) U+4E8C Stroke Order The stroke order follows the general rule of top-to-bottom. Stroke 1: The top horizontal line. Start from the left and move to the right. Stroke 2: The bottom horizontal line. Start from the left and move to the right. Note that the bottom stroke is typically slightly longer...

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〜ごとし / 〜ごとく (as though / like — literary comparison)

〜ごとし / 〜ごとく Formality Level: Literary / Formal — literary prose, proverbs, formal descriptions, classical quotations Classical Origin: ごとし derives from classical Japanese gotoshi ( 如し ), meaning "like" or "as." It appears throughout the oldest Japanese texts including the Manyoshu , the Kojiki ( Record of Ancient Matters , 712 CE), and Nihon Shoki (720 CE). In Classical Chinese texts read in Japan ( kanbun ), the character 如...

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〜てこそ / 〜ばこそ (precisely because — emphatic reason)

〜てこそ / 〜ばこそ Formality Level: Semi-formal to Formal — speeches, literary prose, formal expression of values Classical/Literary Origin: こそ is one of the most ancient emphatic particles in Japanese, appearing throughout the Man'yoshu (8th century) and the Kokinwakashū (905 CE). In classical Japanese grammar, こそ triggers a special verb ending called 已然形 ( izenkei , "realis form"), creating the classical construction verb + こそ + already-realised-form. In modern Japanese, this...

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〜ないではすまない (social obligation — modern variant)

〜ないではすまない Formality Level: Semi-formal — formal writing, analytical commentary, news editorials Relationship to 〜ずにはすまない: 〜ないではすまない is the modern variant of 〜ずにはすまない. The meaning is identical; the form differs: 〜ずにはすまない: classical negative ず + にはすまない〜ないではすまない: modern negative ない + ではすまない〜ないではすまない is slightly more contemporary in feel and appears in both formal written and semi-formal spoken contexts, whereas 〜ずにはすまない is more strictly formal. Structure Form Example V-neg form (ない) +...

山 — Kanji Reference

山 Property Value Meaning mountain Strokes 3 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) サン Kun-reading (訓読み) やま Radical 山 (yama) — U+5C71 Stroke Order The kanji 山 is written in 3 strokes following the standard rule of top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Stroke 1: A vertical line starting from the top center, moving straight down. Stroke 2: A vertical line starting from the left, moving down, then turning 90 degrees to the right...

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〜たい — Want to Do ~

Properties Property Value Level JLPT N5 Type Auxiliary adjective Register Neutral Meaning 〜たい expresses the speaker's desire to perform an action . It answers the question "What do you want to do?" and is used strictly for first-person desire in direct statements or when asking the listener about their own desires. Structure [Verb ます-stem] + たい Verb (dictionary) ます-stem + たい食べる (to eat) 食べ食べたい飲む (to drink) 飲み...

外 — Kanji Reference

外 Property Value Meaning outside Strokes 5 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) ガイ (gai)、ゲ (ge) Kun-reading (訓読み) そと (soto)、はず-れる (hazu-reru) Radical 夕 (yū - evening/moon) [U+5915] Stroke Order The character 外 follows the standard rule of writing from top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Stroke 1: The short vertical line on the left (the "夕" component). Stroke 2: The top horizontal line of the "夕" component. Stroke 3: The diagonal line of the...

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集める (あつめる) — Japanese Vocabulary

集める — あつめる (atsumeru) Part of speech: verb-ru (transitive) JLPT level: N4 Reading: あつめる (atsumeru) Meaning: to collect, gather Word Breakdown 集 (Kanji): Meaning: gather, meet, assemble On-yomi: シュウ (shū) Kun-yomi: あつ(まる), あつ(める), つど(う) The kanji 集 depicts a bird (隹) perched on a tree (木), representing many birds gathering together. As a transitive verb, atsumeru implies an agent actively bringing things or people together. All Readings 集 (Kanji): On-yomi:...

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新 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 新 13 N5 斤 axe Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) シン shin Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) あたら-しい/あら-た/にい atara-shii/ara-ta/nii new Meanings new Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 新しいあたらしい atarashii new N5 新聞しんぶん shinbun newspaper N5 新幹線しんかんせん shinkansen bullet train N5 新年しんねん shinnen New Year N4 最新さいしん saishin newest / latest N4 Stroke Order Left: 亲...

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N4 Kanji: 行 (Go, Row, Bank)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 行 Strokes 6 Radical 行 (itself) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi コウ、ギョウ kō, gyō Kun-yomi い・く、おこな・う i-ku, okonau Vocabulary | 銀行 | ぎんこう | ginkō | bank | | 行く | いく | iku | to go | | 旅行 | りょこう | ryokō | travel | | 行動 | こうどう | kōdō | action, behavior | | 歩行 | ほこう |...

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子 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 子 3 N5 子 child Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) シ/ス shi/su Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) こ/ね ko/ne child; small thing Meanings child small offspring Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 子供こども kodomo child / children N5 女の子おんなのこ onna no ko girl N5 男の子おとこのこ otoko no ko boy N5 子猫こねこ koneko kitten N4 親子おやこ oyako...

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〜ざるを得ない — JLPT N2 Grammar

Pattern V-negative stem (ざる) + を得ない Formation rules: Group 1 verbs (u-verbs): replace the final u with a-row kana, then add ざるを得ない. E.g., 行く → 行か + ざるを得ない = 行かざるを得ない Group 2 verbs (ru-verbs): remove る, then add ざるを得ない. E.g., 食べる → 食べ + ざるを得ない = 食べざるを得ない Irregular verb する: becomes せざるを得ない (NOT しざるを得ない) Irregular verb くる: becomes こざるを得ない The ざる is the classical Japanese negative auxiliary (equivalent to modern...

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〜ようになる — JLPT N3 Grammar

Pattern: 〜ようになる Structure: Verb (dictionary form) + ようになる → "come to do ~" (new habit/change) Verb (potential form) + ようになる → "become able to ~" (new ability) Verb (negative ない) + ようになる → "come to not do ~" (cessation) Formality: Standard (spoken and written) Meaning: "come to do ~, become able to ~, start doing ~" — result of gradual change Explanation 〜ようになる describes the result of a gradual process...

安 — Kanji Reference

安 Property Value Meaning cheap, peaceful Strokes 6 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) アン Kun-reading (訓読み) やす-い Radical 宀 (roof / kanmuri) [U+5B80] Stroke Order The stroke order for 安 follows the standard rule of top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Stroke 1 : The dot at the top center. Stroke 2 : The horizontal line starting from the left, turning into a downward stroke on the right (the roof). Stroke 3 :...

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〜にもかかわらず — JLPT N2 Grammar

Pattern 〜にもかかわらず (ni mo kakawarazu) Structure Noun + にもかかわらず Verb (plain form) + にもかかわらず I-adjective (plain form) + にもかかわらず Na-adjective + である + にもかかわらず (formal) Na-adjective + な + にもかかわらず (slightly less formal) Formality Level Formal — written Japanese, news, academic, legal contexts. The spoken equivalent is 〜のに (more informal and emotionally charged). Meaning "Despite X," "in spite of X," "even though X." Expresses a contrastive, unexpected result — X...

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JLPT N5 Lesson 3: Numbers, Time, and Dates

Overview In this lesson, we move beyond basic greetings to the essential building blocks of communication: numbers, time, and dates. Being able to express when things happen is a fundamental skill for any N5 learner, as it allows you to make appointments, understand schedules, and navigate public transportation. This lesson builds upon your knowledge of hiragana and basic sentence structures, providing the tools necessary for more complex interactions. By mastering...

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Transportation Vocabulary — Japanese N1

Transportation Vocabulary — JLPT N1 At the N1 level, transportation vocabulary moves beyond simple "train" or "bus" terminology. It encompasses the nuances of urban infrastructure, logistical operations, formal travel procedures, and the sophisticated language used in professional or public announcements. Mastering these terms is essential for navigating complex travel situations, understanding news reports on infrastructure, and communicating with precision in a Japanese business or academic environment. Core Vocabulary Japanese Reading...

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Health Vocabulary — Japanese N1

Health Vocabulary — JLPT N1 At the N1 level, health-related vocabulary shifts from basic symptoms to nuanced medical terminology, systemic health issues, and professional healthcare discourse. Mastering these terms is essential for understanding news reports on public health, reading medical documentation, or navigating complex healthcare situations in Japan. Core Vocabulary Japanese Reading Romaji English Part of Speech 疾患しっかん shikkan disease/ailment Noun 慢性まんせい mansei chronic Noun/Na-adj 急性きゅうせい kyūsei...

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N4 Kanji: 足 (Foot, Leg, Enough)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 足 Strokes 7 Radical 足 (itself) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi ソク soku Kun-yomi あし、た・りる ashi, ta-riru Vocabulary | 足 | あし | ashi | foot, leg | | 足りる | たりる | tariru | to be enough | | 満足 | まんぞく | manzoku | satisfaction | | 遠足 | えんそく | ensoku | excursion, field trip | | 不足 |...

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Thematic Vocabulary

Thematic vocabulary lists help you learn words in context-relevant groups, making them easier to remember and use in real conversations. Each topic covers the most important words from N5 to N3 level. Topics Topic Link Words Family Core family members and relationships ~50 words Food Foods, drinks, cooking, restaurants ~80 words Numbers and Counters Numbers 1–10,000 + key counters ~60 items Time Days, months, seasons, time expressions ~60 words Body...

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N4 Kanji: 体 (Body)

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〜ものを (regret / reproach — it should have been)

〜ものを Formality Level: Formal / Literary — formal writing, literary prose, expressive formal speech Classical Origin: ものを combines the classical nominaliser もの (物/者, "thing/matter") with the classical concessive/contrastive particle を ( wo , used as a terminal particle of regret in classical Japanese). In classical Japanese, the construction verb + ものを at the end of a sentence expressed lamentation or dissatisfaction: "it should have been/happened that way, and yet it...

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〜からすると / 〜からすれば / 〜からみると — JLPT N2 Grammar

Patterns 〜からすると / 〜からすれば / 〜からみると / 〜からみれば (kara suru to / kara sureba / kara miru to / kara mireba) Structure Noun + からすると / からすれば / からみると / からみれば The noun is a perspective, standpoint, evidence, or person whose viewpoint is being used to make a judgment Formality Level Formal to neutral — used in analytical writing, academic papers, business analysis, editorial writing. Also appears in formal spoken...

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〜てならない (unbearable feeling — literary spontaneous emotion)

〜てならない Formality Level: Formal / Literary — literary prose, formal speech, elevated personal expression Classical Origin: ならない derives from the classical copula/auxiliary なる ( naru ) in its negative form. 〜てならない literally means "the state of X cannot become otherwise" — the feeling is so complete and natural that it cannot help but be. This links to the mono no aware (物の哀れ) aesthetic tradition of Heian literature, where feelings were...

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〜たら — Japanese Grammar

〜たら Property Value Pattern 〜たら JLPT Level N4 Type conditional Formality Neutral Register Both (Spoken and Written) Meaning The 〜たら (tara) conditional expresses "if" or "when" something happens. It is used to describe a situation that must occur before the subsequent action or state can take place, or to express a discovery made after an action. Structure Formula [Verb た-form] + ら [い-adj (past form)] + ら [な-adj / Noun...

五 — Kanji Reference

五 Property Value Meaning five Strokes 4 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) ゴ Kun-reading (訓読み) いつ、いつ-つ Radical 二 (ni - two) Stroke Order The stroke order for 五 follows standard Japanese calligraphy rules: horizontal strokes are written before vertical strokes, and top-to-bottom, left-to-right. Stroke 1 : A horizontal line at the top, written from left to right. Stroke 2 : A vertical line starting from the center of the first...

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Hiragana

Hiragana (ひらがな) is the first and most fundamental Japanese writing system you must learn. Every Japanese word can be written in hiragana, making it the phonetic backbone of the language. Master hiragana in 1–2 weeks before attempting any Japanese grammar, vocabulary, or kanji study. The Gojuuon Chart (五十音 — 50-sound chart) The gojuuon organizes hiragana by vowel column and consonant row. Read columns left to right, rows top to bottom:...

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〜をはじめ — JLPT N2 Grammar

Pattern Noun A + をはじめ、Noun B も / や / など + [verb/predicate] Noun A + をはじめとして + [broader group description] Noun A + をはじめとする + Noun (attributive: modifies the following noun) Noun A + をはじめとした + Noun (attributive, past-tense form) Noun A is the most representative or prominent example of a larger group. What follows (Noun B, or the broader description) expands on this group. Formality Standard to Formal...

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道 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 道 12 N5 辵 walk/movement Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ドウ/トウ dou/tou Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) みち michi road; path; way Meanings road way path method doctrine Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 道みち michi road / path N5 道路どうろ douro road / street N4 柔道じゅうどう juudou judo N4 茶道さどう/ちゃどう sadou/chadou tea ceremony N4 北海道ほっかいどう...

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N4 Kanji: 薬 (Medicine, Drug)

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下 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 下 3 N5 一 one Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) カ/ゲ ka/ge Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) した/しも/もと/さ-がる/くだ-る/おろ-す shita/shimo/moto/sa-garu/kuda-ru/oro-su below; lower; to descend Meanings below lower down descend Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 下した shita below / under N5 地下ちか chika underground / basement N5 下手へた heta unskilled / bad at N5 下がるさがる sagaru to go...

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七 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 七 2 N5 一 one Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) シチ shichi Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) なな-つ nana-tsu seven (native count) Meanings seven Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 七人しちにん/ななにん shichinin/nananin seven people N5 七月しちがつ shichigatsu July N5 七日なのか nanoka seventh (of month) N5 七時しちじ shichiji 7 o'clock N5 七十ななじゅう nanajuu seventy N5 Stroke Order...

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左 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 左 5 N5 工 work/craft Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) サ sa Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) ひだり hidari left Meanings left Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 左ひだり hidari left N5 左手ひだりて hidarite left hand N5 左側ひだりがわ hidarigawa left side N5 左折させつ sasetsu left turn N4 左右さゆう sayuu left and right N4 Stroke Order Short...

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N4 Kanji: 銀 (Silver)

古 — Kanji Reference

古 Property Value Meaning old Strokes 5 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) コ Kun-reading (訓読み) ふる-い、ふる-す Radical 口 (くち - mouth) [U+53E3] Stroke Order The kanji 古 follows standard Japanese calligraphy rules: top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Stroke 1: The horizontal bar at the top (left to right). Stroke 2: The vertical line on the left (top to bottom). Stroke 3: The corner stroke (horizontal then vertical). Stroke 4: The vertical line...

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〜たる (classical stative adjective — befitting / being X in the full sense)

〜たる Formality Level: Formal / Literary / Archaic — formal speeches, literary prose, elevated descriptions Classical Origin: たる is the attributive (prenominal) form of the classical copula たり ( tari ), which itself derives from にて ( nite , classical instrumental-existential) + あり ( ari , "to be"). In classical Japanese, たり expressed a stative: "being in the state of X" or "existing as X." Its attributive form たる creates...

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N4 Kanji: 頭 (Head)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 頭 Strokes 16 Radical 頁 (page/head) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi トウ、ズ tō, zu Kun-yomi あたま、かしら atama, kashira Vocabulary | 頭 | あたま | atama | head | | 先頭 | せんとう | sentō | lead, front | | 頭脳 | ずのう | zunō | brain, intellect | | 口頭 | こうとう | kōtō | oral, verbal | | 頭痛 | ずつう...

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JLPT N3 Lesson 2: Causal Expressions Deep Dive

Overview Causation is one of the most grammatically rich domains in Japanese. At N5 and N4, you learned 〜から and 〜ので as the workhorses of expressing reason and cause. At N3, the system expands dramatically. You now need to master 〜ため(に), which carries both purpose and cause meanings depending on the tense of the preceding verb; 〜によって and 〜による, which express the means, agent, or cause of something; and 〜ことから,...

飲 — Kanji Reference

飲 Property Value Meaning drink Strokes 12 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) イン Kun-reading (訓読み) の-む Radical 食 (U+98DF - eat/food) Stroke Order The kanji 飲 follows the standard rule of top-to-bottom and left-to-right. It is composed of the "food" radical on the left and the phonetic component "欠" (yawn/lack) on the right. Stroke 1 : Left-side dot (top of 食). Stroke 2 : Horizontal line (top of 食). Stroke...

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〜につれて — JLPT N3 Grammar

Pattern: 〜につれて Structure: Verb (dictionary form) + につれて / Noun + につれて Formality: Standard to Formal Meaning: "as ~ (gradually changes), ~ also changes proportionally" Explanation 〜につれて expresses gradual proportional co-change : as one thing gradually changes or progresses, another thing correspondingly changes. Both changes are simultaneous and ongoing. This pattern is typically used for natural, ongoing processes (seasons, aging, growing skills, social trends). Key characteristics: Both the first and...

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〜もさることながら — JLPT N1 Grammar

〜もさることながら Formality Level: Formal / Semi-formal — journalism, formal praise, business communication, formal speeches, product reviews Classical/Literary Origin: さることながら derives from classical Japanese: さる (classical pronoun/adjective "such, that kind of," related to modern そういう) + こと (nominalised action/state) + ながら (classical concessive particle, "even though / that being so"). The full phrase さることながら means "even though that (said thing) is the case / granted that much." With the preceding も...

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英 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 英 8 N5 艸 grass/plant Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) エイ ei Chinese-origin (音読み) Meanings England hero brilliant superior Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 英語えいご eigo English language N5 英国えいこく eikoku England / UK N4 英文えいぶん eibun English text/sentence N4 英才えいさい eisai genius / brilliant talent N3 英訳えいやく eiyaku English translation N4 Stroke Order...

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〜はおろか — JLPT N2 Grammar

Pattern 〜はおろか (wa oroka) Structure Noun A + はおろか + Noun B + も/さえ/すら + [negative or extreme predicate] Noun A + はおろか + Noun B + も/さえ + [positive extreme predicate] (positive direction less common) The predicate typically applies to BOTH A and B, but the focus is that B (which should be easier or more basic) is also impossible or true. Formality Level Formal/written — literary and journalistic...

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Verb Conjugation

Japanese verb conjugation is systematic and predictable once you know the three verb groups. This reference covers all major conjugation forms with examples for each group. The Three Verb Groups Group Name Rule Examples Group 1 Godan (五段) / U-verbs Dictionary form ends in any う-sound except -iru/-eru 書く、話す、読む、飲む Group 2 Ichidan (一段) / Ru-verbs Dictionary form ends in -iru or -eru 食べる、見る、起きる Group 3 Irregular (不規則) Only two verbs...

語 — Kanji Reference

語 Property Value Meaning language, word Strokes 14 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) ゴ Kun-reading (訓読み) かた-る、かた-らう Radical 言 (speech/word) [U+8A00] Stroke Order The kanji 語 is written by first completing the left radical (言) and then the right component (吾). Follow standard rules: top-to-bottom, left-to-right. Left side (言): Horizontal line (1) → short horizontal (2) → short horizontal (3) → long horizontal (4) → vertical hook (5). Right side...

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JLPT N5 Lesson 2: First Conversations — Greetings and Self-Introduction

Overview In this lesson, we move from the writing systems of Hiragana and Katakana into the functional building blocks of the Japanese language. Learning how to introduce yourself and navigate basic social interactions is the cornerstone of the JLPT N5 level. You will learn how to structure simple sentences using the copula and particles, which are essential for all future communication. By mastering these greetings and self-introduction patterns, you are...

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四 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 四 5 N5 囗 enclosure Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) シ shi Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) よっ-つ/よん yot-tsu/yon four (native count) Meanings four Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 四人よにん yonin four people N5 四月しがつ shigatsu April N5 四日よっか yokka fourth (of month) N5 四時よじ yoji 4 o'clock N5 四角しかく shikaku square / rectangle N4...

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〜に伴い / 〜に伴って — JLPT N2 Grammar

Pattern 〜に伴い / 〜に伴って (ni tomonai / ni tomonatte) Structure Noun + に伴い / に伴って (followed by verb or clause) Verb (dictionary form) + に伴い / に伴って Noun + に伴う + Noun (attributive) Formality Level Formal — used in academic writing, government reports, news articles, business analysis. 〜に伴い is slightly more formal than 〜に伴って. Meaning "Along with X," "accompanying X," "as X occurs/progresses, Y simultaneously changes." Expresses a causal or...

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木 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 木 4 N5 木 tree/wood Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) モク/ボク moku/boku Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) き/こ ki/ko tree; wood Meanings tree wood Thursday Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 木曜日もくようび mokuyoubi Thursday N5 木き ki tree N5 木造もくぞう mokuzou wooden construction N3 木材もくざい mokuzai lumber / timber N3 大木たいぼく taiboku large tree N4 Stroke...

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N4 Kanji: 冬 (Winter)

円 — Kanji Reference

円 Property Value Meaning yen, circle Strokes 4 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) エン Kun-reading (訓読み) まる Radical 冂 (maki-gamae / "box" or "enclosure" - U+5182) Stroke Order The kanji 円 follows standard Japanese stroke order rules: top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Stroke 1 : The vertical line on the left. Stroke 2 : The top horizontal line, turning down to form the corner (the "enclosure"). Stroke 3 : The horizontal line...

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火 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 火 4 N5 火 fire Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) カ ka Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) ひ/ほ hi/ho fire Meanings fire Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 火曜日かようび kayoubi Tuesday N5 火事かじ kaji fire (disaster) N4 火山かざん kazan volcano N4 花火はなび hanabi fireworks N5 火力かりょく karyoku firepower / thermal power N3 Stroke Order Central vertical...

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JLPT N5 Lesson 8: Describing with Adjectives

Overview In this lesson, we move beyond simple nouns and verbs to add color and detail to your Japanese sentences. Adjectives are the primary tools for expressing opinions, physical states, and qualities. Understanding how to use them is essential for describing your environment, expressing preferences, and engaging in basic social interactions. Japanese adjectives are divided into two distinct categories: い-adjectives (i-adjectives) and な-adjectives (na-adjectives) . Each behaves differently when modifying...

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〜うる / 〜える — JLPT N2 Grammar

Pattern 〜うる / 〜える / 〜得る (uru / eru / uri-uru) Also written: 〜得る (kanji form, read うる or える) Structure Verb (masu-stem) + うる / える Common form: 起こり得る (okori-uru), 考え得る (kangae-uru), あり得る (ari-uru/ari-eru) Negative: 〜得ない / あり得ない (cannot possibly) Special case: ある → あり得る (arieri) = "can possibly exist/happen" Formality Level Formal/literary — primarily written Japanese. Common in academic papers, legal documents, policy writing, official announcements. 〜うる is...

読 — Kanji Reference

読 Property Value Meaning read Strokes 14 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) ドク、トク、トウ Kun-reading (訓読み) よ-む Radical 言 (ごんべん - gonben) U+8A00 Stroke Order The kanji 読 is written in 14 strokes. Follow the standard rule of top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Left side (言): Start with the horizontal top stroke, followed by three horizontal lines, then the mouth (口) shape. Right side (売): Write the top dot/horizontal, the middle "士" shape,...

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〜にほかならない (nothing other than / is precisely)

〜にほかならない Formality Level: Formal / Literary — academic writing, editorials, formal speech, rhetorical prose Classical Origin: ほかならない derives from ほか ( hoka , "other/else") + ならない (classical negative of なる, "to become"). Literally: "it does not become anything else." The pattern 〜にほかならない thus means "it is nothing other than X" — a categorical assertion of identity or causation that admits no alternative interpretation. Structure Form Example Noun + にほかならない責任放棄にほかならない...

駅 — Kanji Reference

駅 Property Value Meaning station Strokes 14 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) エキ Kun-reading (訓読み) none Radical 馬 (uma - horse) [U+99AC] Stroke Order The kanji 駅 follows the standard Japanese calligraphy rule: top-to-bottom, left-to-right. It is composed of the radical 馬 (horse) on the left and 尺 (measure/ruler) on the right. Left side (馬): Stroke 1 (dot), 2 (horizontal), 3 (vertical), 4 (horizontal), 5 (vertical), 6 (horizontal), 7 (dot),...

時 — Kanji Reference

時 Property Value Meaning time, hour Strokes 10 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) ジ Kun-reading (訓読み) とき Radical 日 (Sun/Day, U+65E5) Stroke Order The stroke order follows the standard rule of top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Left side (日): Vertical stroke (1) → corner stroke (2) → horizontal middle (3) → bottom closure (4). Right side (寺): Top horizontal (5) → vertical (6) → horizontal (7) → horizontal (8) → vertical hook...

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〜に即して / 〜に即した (in accordance with / applied to specific circumstances)

〜に即して / 〜に即した Formality Level: Formal — legal analysis, academic writing, policy documents, formal reporting Structure Form Usage Example Noun + に即して Adverbial 実情に即して判断する Noun + に即した + Noun Prenominal 現実に即した政策 Meaning "In direct accordance with / Applied specifically to / In light of the specific circumstances of X" 〜に即して implies active, case-specific application of a principle, law, or framework to particular circumstances. It is stronger than passive rule-following (〜に従って):...

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だから (だから) — Japanese Vocabulary

だから — だから (dakara) Part of speech: Conjunction (接続詞) JLPT level: N4 Reading: だから (dakara) Meaning: therefore, so, that is why Word Breakdown だから is a kana-only word. It is a contraction of the phrase だ (da) (the plain copula) + から (kara) (because/from). In Japanese grammar, when you want to connect two sentences where the first is the reason and the second is the result, you use the copula...

年 — Kanji Reference

年 Property Value Meaning year Strokes 6 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) ネン Kun-reading (訓読み) とし Radical 干 (かん - dry/shield) [U+5E72] Stroke Order The kanji 年 is written in 6 strokes. Follow the standard rule of top-to-bottom and left-to-right: Stroke 1: The short horizontal line at the top (left to right). Stroke 2: The vertical line starting from the top center, moving downward. Stroke 3: The short horizontal line...

Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N3 — Pre-intermediate B1 › JLPT N3 Lessons ›

JLPT N3 Lesson 6: Expressing Change, Tendency, and Difficulty

Overview One of the central communicative tasks at the N3 level is accurately describing how things have changed , how things tend to happen , and how easy or possible something is . These are not simple on/off descriptions—they involve nuances of gradual change over time, habitual tendencies (often with a negative connotation), the inherent ease or difficulty of an action, and logical possibility or impossibility. These concepts recur throughout...

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Sentence Patterns by JLPT Level

A curated reference of essential Japanese sentence patterns, organized by JLPT level with structures and example sentences. N5 Patterns 〜は〜です (A is B) Structure : Noun は Noun/Adj です Usage : Basic identification and description 私は学生です。— I am a student. これは本です。— This is a book. 今日は月曜日です。— Today is Monday. 〜がいます/あります (existence) Structure : Place に Thing がいます/あります Usage : います = animate beings; あります = inanimate things 机の上に本があります。— There...

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〜なら — Japanese Grammar

〜なら Property Value Pattern 〜なら JLPT Level N4 Type conditional Formality Neutral Register Both (Spoken and Written) Meaning The pattern 〜なら (nara) is a conditional marker used to introduce a topic or situation and then provide advice, a request, or an opinion based on that topic. It translates roughly to "if it is the case that..." or "as for [topic], then..." Structure Formula [Noun] + なら [Na-adjective stem] + なら...

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JLPT N1 — Lessons

These 10 structured lessons are designed for learners who have passed (or are at) N2 level and are targeting N1. Each lesson addresses the qualitative shift N1 demands — not just more vocabulary, but a different register, different reading strategies, and different thinking about the language. Lesson 1: Classical Japanese Roots — Why Modern Japanese Is the Way It Is Why This Matters for N1 N1 grammar includes patterns that...

中 — Kanji Reference

中 Property Value Meaning middle, inside Strokes 4 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) チュウ Kun-reading (訓読み) なか Radical 丨 (tatebō - vertical line) [U+4E28] Stroke Order The kanji 中 is written in 4 strokes following the standard top-to-bottom, left-to-right rule: Stroke 1 : The vertical line on the left side of the box (top to bottom). Stroke 2 : The top horizontal line, then turning down to form the right...

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Family Vocabulary

Japanese family vocabulary has two sets of words: one for referring to your own family (plain/humble) and one for referring to someone else's family (honorific/polite). This distinction is important at N4+ level. Core Family Members Your own family (plain forms) Japanese Reading Romaji English 家族かぞく kazoku family 父ちち chichi father (my) 母はは haha mother (my) 兄あに ani older brother (my) 姉あね ane older sister (my)...

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土 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 土 3 N5 土 earth/soil Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ド/ト do/to Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) つち tsuchi earth; soil; ground Meanings earth soil ground Saturday Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 土曜日どようび doyoubi Saturday N5 土地とち tochi land / plot of ground N4 土台どだい dodai foundation / base N3 土木どぼく doboku civil engineering N3 粘土...

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〜やすい/〜にくい — JLPT N3 Grammar

Pattern: 〜やすい / 〜にくい Structure: Verb (masu-stem) + やすい → "easy to do ~, prone to ~" (i-adjective) Verb (masu-stem) + にくい → "hard/difficult to do ~" (i-adjective) Formality: Standard (spoken and written) Meaning: 〜やすい: "easy to ~, tends to ~" / 〜にくい: "hard to ~, difficult to ~" Explanation These patterns describe an inherent quality of an object or situation — how easy or difficult it is to perform...

Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N5 — Beginner A1 › JLPT N5 — Kanji (All 103) ›

生 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 生 5 N5 生 life/birth Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) セイ/ショウ sei/shou Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) い-きる/う-まれる/は-える/なま i-kiru/u-mareru/ha-eru/nama to live; to be born; raw Meanings life birth raw student Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 学生がくせい gakusei student N5 先生せんせい sensei teacher N5 生まれるうまれる umareru to be born N5 生活せいかつ seikatsu daily life / livelihood N4...

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JLPT N2 — Grammar (~200+ patterns)

N2 grammar is characterized by formal and written register patterns. Unlike N3 and N4 grammar that primarily reflects conversational Japanese, N2 patterns come from newspapers, academic writing, business communication, and broadcast speech. Many patterns have similar meanings — distinguishing them by nuance and register is a core N2 exam skill. Patterns are organized thematically. Each entry shows: structure → meaning → nuance notes → example sentences. 1. Formal Conjunctions and...

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〜ようにする — JLPT N3 Grammar

Pattern: 〜ようにする Structure: Verb (dictionary form) + ようにする → "try to do ~, make a point of doing ~" Verb (negative ない) + ようにする → "try not to do ~, make sure not to ~" Formality: Standard (spoken and written) Meaning: "make an effort to ~, try to ensure ~, make a point of ~" Explanation 〜ようにする expresses a sustained, deliberate effort to make something happen or to avoid something....

Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N5 — Beginner A1 › JLPT N5 — Kanji (All 103) ›

十 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 十 2 N5 十 ten Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ジュウ/ジッ juu/jit Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) とお too ten (native count) Meanings ten Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 十人じゅうにん juunin ten people N5 十月じゅうがつ juugatsu October N5 十日とおか tooka tenth (of month) N5 十時じゅうじ juuji 10 o'clock N5 二十にじゅう nijuu twenty N5 Stroke Order...

Language Learning › Learn Japanese › Skills ›

Speaking

Japanese speaking is one of the most rewarding and most challenging aspects of the language. This guide covers pronunciation, pitch accent, the politeness register system, and practical resources for finding speaking practice. Pronunciation Basics Japanese pronunciation is in many ways simpler than English for several reasons: 5 pure vowels with consistent sounds No consonant clusters (every consonant is followed by a vowel, except ん) Regular syllable structure (mostly CV —...

Language Learning › Learn Japanese › Vocabulary ›

だんだん (だんだん) — Japanese Vocabulary

だんだん — だんだん (dandan) Part of speech: adverb JLPT level: N4 Reading: だんだん (dandan) Meaning: gradually, little by little, step by step Word Breakdown だんだん is a gitaigo (onomatopoeic/mimetic word). It is written exclusively in hiragana. Etymologically, it originates from the kanji 段々 (meaning "steps" or "levels"). While you may occasionally see it written as 段々 in older texts or formal writing, it is standard practice in modern Japanese to...

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〜に — Direction, Time, and Indirect Object

Properties Property Value Type Particle Level JLPT N5 Meaning に (ni) is one of the most versatile particles in Japanese. It covers four main uses: Direction / Destination — marks where you are going with verbs of motion (行く、来る、帰る) Time / Specific point in time — marks a specific clock time or day (3時に、月曜日に) Location of existence — marks where something or someone exists with あります / います Indirect object...

土 — Kanji Reference

土 Property Value Meaning earth, soil Strokes 3 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) ド、ト Kun-reading (訓読み) つち Radical 土 (つちへん - tsuchi-hen) [U+571F] Stroke Order The stroke order for 土 follows the standard rule of horizontal lines before vertical lines. Stroke 1 : A short horizontal line (left to right). Stroke 2 : A vertical line starting from the center of the first stroke and going straight down. Stroke 3...

南 — Kanji Reference

南 Property Value Meaning south Strokes 9 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) ナン (nan)、ナ (na) Kun-reading (訓読み) みなみ (minami) Radical 十 (jū - ten) Stroke Order The character 南 follows standard Japanese stroke order rules: top-to-bottom, left-to-right. Stroke 1: The top horizontal line. Stroke 2: The vertical line on the left. Stroke 3: The horizontal line that turns down to form the "box" shape. Stroke 4: The horizontal line closing...

花 — Kanji Reference

花 Property Value Meaning flower Strokes 7 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) カ (ka) Kun-reading (訓読み) はな (hana) Radical 艹 (Grass radical / くさかんむり - U+8279) Stroke Order The kanji 花 follows the standard rule of top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Stroke 1 : Horizontal line for the grass radical (left side). Stroke 2 : Short vertical line dropping from the left of the horizontal bar. Stroke 3 : Short vertical line...

Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N1 — Advanced C1–C2 ›

JLPT N1 — Grammar

JLPT N1 grammar includes approximately 200 patterns with a distinctive character: many are literary, classical, or from formal written Japanese (文語). This is the most challenging aspect of N1 — not just memorizing patterns but understanding the subtle distinctions between similar ones (which the exam tests extensively). Formality levels used in this guide: Literary (文語的): Found in classical texts, formal documents; rarely spoken Formal written (書き言葉): Newspapers, essays, academic writing;...

Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 春 (Spring (season))

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〜であれ〜であれ — JLPT N1 Grammar

〜であれ〜であれ Formality Level: Formal / Written — legal texts, formal speeches, editorial writing, academic prose Classical/Literary Origin: であれ is the classical imperative form of the copula である ("to be"). In classical Japanese, あれ (be!) was used in a generalising or concessive conditional sense: "be it X, be it Y" — meaning "whether X or Y." The doubled pattern 〜であれ〜であれ extends this: "whether one is X or Y, whether it is...

Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N2 — Upper-intermediate B2 › JLPT N2 — Grammar (~200+ patterns) ›

〜をもとに / 〜をもとにして — JLPT N2 Grammar

Pattern 〜をもとに / 〜をもとにして (o moto ni / o moto ni shite) Structure Noun + をもとに (followed by verb) Noun + をもとにして (followed by verb — slightly more emphatic) Noun + をもとにした + Noun (attributive) Formality Level Formal to neutral — used in academic, business, creative, and analytical contexts. Common in both written and spoken formal Japanese. Meaning "Based on X," "using X as a basis," "drawing from X." Expresses...

Language Learning › Learn Japanese › Learning Methodology ›

Japanese Study Roadmap

This roadmap provides a concrete week-by-week path from absolute beginner to JLPT N1. Times are based on 1 hour per day (365 hours/year). Adjust all timelines proportionally for your actual study hours. Phase 0: Pre-Study Preparation (Week 1) Before touching vocabulary or grammar, set up your study environment: Week 1 Checklist: Install Anki (desktop + mobile) Download Core 2000 Anki deck from AnkiWeb Bookmark jisho.org Install Yomitan browser extension Order...

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〜ずにはおかない — JLPT N1 Grammar

〜ずにはおかない Formality Level: Formal / Semi-formal — literary fiction, formal written prose, formal speeches, editorial writing Classical/Literary Origin: This pattern combines ず (classical negative auxiliary, equivalent to ない), に (here used before a predicate in a fixed negative pattern), は (contrastive topic), and おかない (negative of おく — "to leave as is, to let be"). The literal parsing is "cannot leave it in the state of not doing ~" or...

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Keigo — Honorific Japanese

Keigo (敬語, literally "respectful language") is the system of honorific speech in Japanese. It is a fundamental part of adult Japanese communication — used in business, service industries, formal settings, and any interaction where social hierarchy matters. JLPT N2 requires recognition of keigo patterns; N1 requires deeper understanding. The Three Levels of Keigo Level Japanese Purpose When to use Teineigo 丁寧語 Polite language Standard polite speech with strangers, acquaintances Sonkeigo...

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〜られる (passive) — Japanese Grammar

〜られる (passive) Property Value Pattern 〜られる (passive) JLPT Level N4 Type passive Formality Neutral Register Both Meaning The passive voice in Japanese is used to describe an action where the subject is the recipient of the action rather than the performer. It is often used to express that someone was affected by an action, or to describe objective events where the performer of the action is unknown or irrelevant. Structure...

Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N5 — Beginner A1 › JLPT N5 — Kanji (All 103) ›

書 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 書 10 N5 曰 say/speak Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ショ sho Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) か-く ka-ku to write Meanings write book document Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 書くかく kaku to write N5 読書どくしょ dokusho reading (books) N4 教科書きょうかしょ kyoukasho textbook N5 辞書じしょ jisho dictionary N5 書道しょどう shodou calligraphy N4 Stroke Order Top:...

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〜て以来 — JLPT N3 Grammar

Pattern: 〜て以来 Structure: Verb (TE-form) + 以来 / Noun + 以来 Formality: Standard to Formal Meaning: "ever since ~, since ~ [state has continued to now]" Explanation 〜て以来 expresses that a state or situation has continued without interruption ever since a past turning point. It always looks from the present moment back to a specific past event that created a change, and it implies the change established then is still...

Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N2 — Upper-intermediate B2 › JLPT N2 — Grammar (~200+ patterns) ›

〜にかかわらず — JLPT N2 Grammar

Pattern 〜にかかわらず (ni kakawarazu) Structure Noun + にかかわらず Verb (plain form affirmative/negative pair) + にかかわらず (whether X or not) I-adjective pair (〜か〜かに) + かかわらず Question word + かに + かかわらず (regardless of what/who/how) Formality Level Formal — primarily written Japanese. Common in legal documents, contracts, official notices, and academic writing. Meaning "Regardless of X," "irrespective of X," "whether X or not." Expresses that the following statement or condition applies universally,...

口 — Kanji Reference

口 Property Value Meaning mouth, opening Strokes 3 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) コウ、ク Kun-reading (訓読み) くち Radical 口 (くち・くちへん) U+53E3 Stroke Order The character 口 is written in 3 strokes following the rule of top-to-bottom and left-to-right: Stroke 1 : The left vertical line, starting from the top and moving down. Stroke 2 : The top horizontal line, which turns into the right vertical line (a single continuous motion)....

Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 Lessons ›

JLPT N4 Lesson 4: Expressing Probability and Inference

Overview In natural Japanese communication, speakers rarely express certainty about everything. Instead, a rich set of grammatical patterns allows you to indicate how sure you are about information — whether you are guessing, reporting what you heard, drawing a logical conclusion, or inferring from visible evidence. At N4, you must master six such patterns: 〜かもしれない, 〜でしょう/だろう, 〜はずだ/はずがない, 〜らしい, 〜そうだ (two distinct meanings!), and 〜ようだ. The most challenging aspect of this...

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〜にほかならない — JLPT N3 Grammar

Pattern: 〜にほかならない Structure: Noun / Verb (plain) / こと + にほかならない Formality: Formal / Written Meaning: "nothing other than ~, nothing but ~, precisely ~, it is exactly ~" Explanation 〜にほかならない makes an emphatic, exclusive identification : the speaker is asserting with strong conviction that something is definitively a particular thing — there is no other explanation, identity, or cause. ほかならない means "is not other" → "is nothing other than."...

Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N3 — Pre-intermediate B1 › JLPT N3 Grammar Patterns ›

〜わけにはいかない — JLPT N3 Grammar

Pattern: 〜わけにはいかない / 〜わけにもいかない Structure: Verb (dictionary form) + わけにはいかない → "can't possibly do ~" Verb (negative ない) + わけにはいかない → "can't possibly not do ~, must do ~" Formality: Standard (spoken and written) Meaning: "can't possibly ~, not in a position to ~, it wouldn't be right to ~" Explanation 〜わけにはいかない expresses that something cannot be done due to social, moral, or practical constraints — not physical inability, but...

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技術 (ぎじゅつ) — Japanese Vocabulary

技術 — ぎじゅつ (gijutsu) Part of speech: noun JLPT level: N4 Reading: ぎじゅつ (gijutsu) Meaning: technology, skill Word Breakdown 技 (ぎ / gi): Skill, art, technique. On-yomi: ギ (gi) Kun-yomi: わざ (waza) 術 (じゅつ / jutsu): Art, technique, means, magic. On-yomi: ジュツ (jutsu) Kun-yomi: すべ (sube) All Readings 技 (gi): On-yomi: ギ (used in gijutsu ) Kun-yomi: わざ術 (jutsu): On-yomi: ジュツ (used in gijutsu ) Kun-yomi: すべ Example Sentences...

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比べる (くらべる) — Japanese Vocabulary

比べる — くらべる (kuraberu) Part of speech: verb-ru (Ichidan verb) JLPT level: N4 Reading: くらべる (kuraberu) Meaning: to compare Word Breakdown 比 (HI / くら.べる): This kanji depicts two people standing side-by-side, representing the act of comparison or ranking. It is commonly used in words related to ratios and proportions. All Readings 比 On-yomi (音読み): ヒ (hi) Kun-yomi (訓読み): くら.べる (kuraberu) Note: In this word, the kun-yomi "kuraberu" is used....

Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N3 — Pre-intermediate B1 › JLPT N3 Grammar Patterns ›

〜に従って/〜に従い — JLPT N3 Grammar

Pattern: 〜に従って / 〜に従い Structure: Noun (rule/instruction/order) + に従って → compliance Verb (dictionary form) + に従って → proportional change as action progresses Formality: Formal / Standard Meaning: "in accordance with ~, following ~, as ~ progresses" Explanation 〜に従って has two related meanings: Meaning 1 — Compliance: Following or acting in accordance with a rule, order, manual, or standard. The agent actively conforms to an external authority. 「規則に従って行動する」(act according to the...

Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N5 — Beginner A1 › JLPT N5 — Kanji (All 103) ›

来 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 来 7 N5 木 tree/wood Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ライ rai Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) く-る/きた-る/きた-す ku-ru/kita-ru/kita-su to come Meanings come future next Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 来るくる kuru to come N5 来週らいしゅう raishuu next week N5 来月らいげつ raigetsu next month N5 来年らいねん rainen next year N5 将来しょうらい shourai future / one's...

Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N2 — Upper-intermediate B2 ›

JLPT N2 — Exam Preparation

JLPT N2 is offered twice a year (July and December). The total exam time is 155 minutes , making it significantly longer and more demanding than N3 (100 minutes). This page covers the exam format in detail, section-by-section strategies, 120 practice questions, and a complete 6-month study plan. 1. Exam Format and Structure Official Time Breakdown Section Contents Time 言語知識（文字・語彙） Kanji readings, vocabulary meaning, word formation, contextual words 30 min...

Language Learning › Learn Japanese › Grammar ›

JLPT N4 Grammar Patterns

This section covers 20 core grammar patterns at JLPT N4 (A2) level. Each page explains the structure, meaning, example sentences, and common mistakes to avoid. Grammar Patterns Pattern Page Meaning せる・させるせる・させる Causative — make/let someone do られるられる Passive — be done by someone そうだそうだ Looks like / appears to be らしいらしい Seems like / typical of はずだはずだ Should be / expected to be かもしれないかもしれない...

Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N5 — Beginner A1 › JLPT N5 — Kanji (All 103) ›

金 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 金 8 N5 金 gold/metal Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) キン/コン kin/kon Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) かね/かな kane/kana gold; money; metal Meanings gold money metal Friday Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 金曜日きんようび kin-youbi Friday N5 お金おかね okane money N5 金色きんいろ kin-iro golden color N4 黄金おうごん ougon gold N3 金属きんぞく kinzoku metal N3 Stroke Order...

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〜にとって — JLPT N3 Grammar

Pattern: 〜にとって Structure: Noun (person/group/entity) + にとって + [evaluative predicate] Formality: Standard to Formal Meaning: "for ~, from the perspective of ~, from the standpoint of ~" Explanation 〜にとって marks the evaluating perspective — who is doing the evaluating. It is always followed by a statement of value, importance, difficulty, meaning, or other evaluative quality. The noun before にとって must be a person, group, organization, or entity capable of having...

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JLPT N1 Lesson 6: Proverbs and Set Phrases — 諺・慣用句

Overview Japanese 諺 ( kotowaza , proverbs) and 慣用句 ( kan'yōku , idiomatic set phrases) represent a layer of language that no dictionary can fully convey — they carry cultural knowledge, ethical values, and aesthetic sensibilities compressed into a few words. The N1 examination tests these expressions in three main question types: selecting the correct expression to complete a sentence, identifying the meaning of an underlined expression, and recognising when...

Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 園 (Garden, Park)

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西 — JLPT N5 Kanji

西 JLPT Level: N5 | Strokes: 6 | Radical: 西 (west) Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On-yomi セイ、サイ sei, sai sei = west standard; sai = in some words Kun-yomi にし nishi west Meanings West Western Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 西にし nishi west N5 西口にしぐち nishiguchi west exit N5 西洋せいよう seiyoo the West, Occident N3 関西かんさい Kansai Kansai (region) N4 北西ほくせい hokusei northwest...

Language Learning › Learn Japanese › Skills ›

Reading

Reading Japanese is both the most challenging and most rewarding skill to develop. It requires simultaneous processing of hiragana, katakana, and kanji — sometimes all in the same sentence — while understanding grammar patterns and vocabulary. This guide maps out the reading progression from absolute beginner to advanced. The Japanese Reading Challenge Unlike learning to read European languages (one script, familiar letters), learning to read Japanese requires: Mastering hiragana (~46...

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〜が — Subject Marker

〜が Property Value Pattern が JLPT Level N5 Type particle Formality Neutral Meaning The particle が (ga) is one of the most fundamental particles in Japanese. It has two primary roles: Grammatical subject marker — it marks who or what performs the action or is in the state described by the predicate. New information marker — it introduces a subject that is being mentioned for the first time, or highlights...

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Introduction to Kanji

Kanji (漢字) are Chinese-derived logographic characters that form the backbone of written Japanese. This page introduces the kanji system and the top most common characters. For the complete kanji skills guide, see Kanji Skills . Quick Facts Joyo kanji (常用漢字): 2,136 characters — the official "standard use" list for adults Kyoiku kanji (教育漢字): 1,026 — taught in elementary school grades 1–6 JLPT requirement : N5=103, N4≈284, N3≈651, N2≈1,651, N1≈2,000+ Readings...

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〜かたわら — JLPT N1 Grammar

〜かたわら Formality Level: Formal / Written — newspaper profiles, biographies, formal introductions, academic writing Classical/Literary Origin: かたわら (傍ら) originally meant "beside, at the side of" as a spatial noun in classical Japanese. Its extended meaning — doing something "at the side of" a main activity — developed naturally from this spatial metaphor: pursuing a secondary activity alongside one's primary work or role. The pattern is written in hiragana in modern...

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〜として — JLPT N3 Grammar

Pattern: 〜として / 〜としての / 〜とした Structure: Noun + として + [predicate/action] Noun + としての + Noun (attributive) Noun + とした + Noun (attributive, often "taking ~ as a basis") Formality: Standard to Formal Meaning: "as ~, in the capacity of ~, in the role of ~, taking ~ as ~" Explanation 〜として marks the role, capacity, identity, function, or basis in which someone/something acts or is regarded. Common uses:...

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〜てみる — Japanese Grammar

〜てみる Property Value Pattern 〜てみる JLPT Level N4 Type attempt / trial Formality Neutral Register Both (Spoken and Written) Meaning The pattern 〜てみる (te-miru) is used to express that someone is "trying to do" an action to see what happens, or to experience the result of that action. It implies a sense of experimentation, curiosity, or testing something out to see if it is good, bad, or interesting. Structure Formula...

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〜せる/〜させる — Japanese Grammar

〜せる/〜させる Property Value Pattern 〜せる/〜させる JLPT Level N4 Type causative Formality Neutral Register Both Meaning The causative form expresses that someone is making someone else do something, or allowing someone to do something. It indicates an action initiated by one person that forces or permits another person to perform the action. Structure Formula Group 1 (U-verbs): [Verb stem (u → a)] + せる Example: 書く (kaku) → 書かせる (kakaseru) Group...

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小 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 小 3 N5 小 small Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ショウ shou Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) ちい-さい/こ/お chii-sai/ko/o small; little Meanings small little Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 小さいちいさい chiisai small / little N5 小学校しょうがっこう shougakkou elementary school N5 小説しょうせつ shousetsu novel / fiction N4 小鳥ことり kotori small bird N4 小包こづつみ kozutsumi parcel /...

千 — Kanji Reference

千 Property Value Meaning thousand Strokes 3 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) セン Kun-reading (訓読み) ち Radical 十 (ten) [U+5341] Stroke Order The kanji 千 is written in 3 strokes following the standard rule of horizontal strokes before vertical strokes: Stroke 1: A short horizontal stroke (ノ-like slant) starting from the top left. Stroke 2: A horizontal stroke starting from the left, crossing through the first stroke. Stroke 3: A...

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それから (それから) — Japanese Vocabulary

それから — それから (sorekara) Part of speech: conj JLPT level: N4 Reading: それから (sorekara) Meaning: and then, after that Word Breakdown それから is a compound word derived from the demonstrative pronoun それ (sore - that) and the particle から (kara - from/after). それ (sore): That (referring to something previously mentioned or distant from the speaker). から (kara): From (indicating a starting point in time or sequence). Together, the phrase literally...

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雨 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 雨 8 N5 雨 rain Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ウ u Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) あめ/あま ame/ama rain Meanings rain Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 雨あめ ame rain N5 大雨おおあめ ooame heavy rain N5 雨天うてん uten rainy weather N4 梅雨つゆ tsuyu rainy season N4 雨降りあめふり amefuri rainfall / rainy day N5 Stroke Order...

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Education Vocabulary — Japanese N1

Education Vocabulary — JLPT N1 At the N1 level, vocabulary related to education shifts from basic classroom objects to abstract concepts, academic discourse, and institutional policy. Mastering these terms is essential for reading academic papers, understanding news reports on educational reform, and navigating professional environments in Japan. Core Vocabulary Japanese Reading Romaji English Part of Speech 履修りしゅう rishū completion of a course Noun/Suru-verb 必修ひっしゅう hisshū compulsory course Noun...

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日 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 日 4 N5 日 sun/day Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ニチ/ジツ nichi/jitsu Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) ひ/か hi/ka day; sun Meanings sun day Japan Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 今日きょう kyou today N5 日曜日にちようび nichiyoubi Sunday N5 明日あした ashita tomorrow N5 昨日きのう kinou yesterday N5 日本にほん Nihon Japan N5 Stroke Order Left vertical. 2....

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JLPT N2 Lesson 10: N2 Capstone — Mock Exam and Review

Overview This capstone lesson consolidates the entire N2 curriculum through a full-format mock exam session. Unlike review lessons that revisit grammar explanations, this lesson is structured like the actual JLPT N2 examination: you will read an authentic-style passage, answer comprehension questions, complete grammar substitution questions in 4-option format, and identify errors in constructed sentences. The goal is to develop the integrated skill of real-time grammar judgment under exam conditions. The...

半 — Kanji Reference

半 Property Value Meaning half Strokes 5 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) ハン Kun-reading (訓読み) なか-ば Radical 十 (Jū - ten) [U+5341] Stroke Order The stroke order for 半 follows the standard rule of top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Stroke 1: The top horizontal line. Stroke 2: The bottom horizontal line (slightly longer than the top). Stroke 3: The vertical line passing through the center of the two horizontal lines. Stroke 4:...

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山 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 山 3 N5 山 mountain Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) サン san Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) やま yama mountain; hill Meanings mountain Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 山やま yama mountain N5 富士山ふじさん Fujisan Mount Fuji N5 山登りやまのぼり yamanobori mountain climbing N4 山川やまかわ yamakawa mountains and rivers N4 火山かざん kazan volcano N4 Stroke Order Left...

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JLPT N1 Lesson 7: Academic and Legal Japanese

Overview Legal and academic Japanese constitutes one of the most distinctive registers in the entire language. While spoken Japanese operates on principles of vagueness, implicature, and shared context, legal Japanese does the opposite: it seeks to eliminate ambiguity entirely, using grammatical structures that specify every condition, exception, and application scope with surgical precision. This register draws on a tradition of formal written language ( bungo ) that was codified during...

私 — Kanji Reference

私 Property Value Meaning I, private Strokes 7 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) シ Kun-reading (訓読み) わたし、わたくし Radical 禾 (Nogi - grain) [U+79BE] Stroke Order The stroke order for 私 follows the standard rule of top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Stroke 1 : The short horizontal stroke (top of the grain radical). Stroke 2 : The long vertical stroke (the stem of the grain). Stroke 3 : The left-slanting stroke (the left...

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〜てしかたがない — JLPT N2 Grammar

Pattern V-て form + しかたがない / しょうがないい-adj (く form) + てしかたがない / てしょうがないな-adj (で form) + しかたがない / しょうがない The verb or adjective describes a feeling, sensation, or state that cannot be suppressed or helped. The subject is typically the speaker. Formality Neutral to Conversational . てしかたがない is the standard form; てしょうがない is the contracted, more casual form. Both are used in everyday speech and informal writing. てしかたがない...

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天 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 天 4 N5 大 big Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) テン ten Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) あめ/あま ame/ama sky; heaven Meanings heaven sky celestial nature Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 天気てんき tenki weather N5 天国てんごく tengoku heaven / paradise N4 天井てんじょう tenjou ceiling N4 天才てんさい tensai genius N4 天ぷらてんぷら tempura tempura (dish) N5 Stroke...

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N4 Kanji: 曇 (Cloudy)

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ね / よ — Sentence-Final Particles

Properties Property Value Level N5 Category Sentence-final particles Register Neutral / Informal ね (ne) ね is placed at the end of a sentence to seek confirmation or agreement from the listener, similar to "right?", "isn't it?", or "don't you think?" in English. It also softens a statement, giving the sentence a gentle, conversational tone. Examples Japanese Romaji English いい天気ですね。 Ii tenki desu ne. Nice weather, isn't it? そうですね。 Sou desu...

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〜てからというもの — JLPT N2 Grammar

Pattern 〜てからというもの (te kara to iu mono) Structure Verb (て-form) + からというもの Always describes a sustained, ongoing state that began after the trigger event The following clause typically uses a continuous form (〜ている, 〜になった, 〜てきた) Formality Level Neutral to formal — used in both spoken and written Japanese. The literary quality makes it particularly common in essays, memoirs, biographical writing, and formal personal statements. Can appear in business contexts when...

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調べる (しらべる) — Japanese Vocabulary

調べる — しらべる (shiraberu) Part of speech: verb-ru JLPT level: N4 Reading: しらべる (shiraberu) Meaning: to investigate, look up, check, examine Word Breakdown 調 (Kanji): Meaning: investigate, tune, tone, prepare On-yomi: チョウ (chō) Kun-yomi: しら(べる) (shiraberu), ととの(う) (totonou) The kanji 調 combines the radical for "speech/words" (言) with the character for "surrounding/all around" (周). It carries the nuance of putting things in order or checking the details of something to...

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N4 Kanji: 社 (Company, Society)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 社 Strokes 7 Radical 示 (show/altar) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi シャ sha Kun-yomi やしろ yashiro Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English 会社かいしゃ kaisha company 社会しゃかい shakai society 神社じんじゃ jinja Shinto shrine 社員しゃいん shain company employee 商社しょうしゃ shōsha trading company Stroke Order Left radical 示 (altar). 2-7. Right portion 土 (earth) and 乙. Mnemonic An altar (示) on...

新 — Kanji Reference

新 Property Value Meaning new Strokes 13 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) シン Kun-reading (訓読み) あたら-しい、あら-た、にい Radical 斤 (おのづくり - ono-zukuri) [U+65A4] Stroke Order The kanji 新 is written in 13 strokes. It follows the standard rules of top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Left side (立): Dot (1) → Horizontal (2) → Dot (3) → Dot (4) → Horizontal (5). Middle (木): Vertical (6) → Horizontal (7) → Left slant (8) →...

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今 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 今 4 N5 人 person Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) コン/キン kon/kin Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) いま ima now Meanings now present Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 今いま ima now N5 今日きょう kyou today N5 今週こんしゅう konshuu this week N5 今月こんげつ kongetsu this month N5 今年ことし kotoshi this year N5 Stroke Order Top diagonal...

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〜ならでは — JLPT N1 Grammar

〜ならでは Formality Level: Formal / Semi-formal — journalism, travel writing, advertising copy, formal speeches, product descriptions Classical/Literary Origin: ならでは derives from classical Japanese: なら (classical conditional/copula form of なり) + で (classical negative/instrumental particle) + は (contrastive topic). Literally, it meant "if it were not for X" or "without X, it could not be." The modern pattern preserves this exclusivity logic but is predominantly used in affirmative contexts to praise...

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古 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 古 5 N5 口 mouth Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) コ ko Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) ふる-い/ふる-す furu-i/furu-su old (things) Meanings old ancient Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 古いふるい furui old (things) N5 古典こてん koten classics / classical N4 古代こだい kodai ancient times N3 中古ちゅうこ chuuko used / secondhand N4 古着ふるぎ furugi used clothes...

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〜だけでなく — JLPT N2 Grammar

Pattern Noun + だけでなく、~ も + [verb/predicate] V-plain / Adj-plain + だけでなく、~ も + [verb/predicate] Noun + だけでなく(て) + [verb/predicate] (te-form variant) The element after だけでなく (marked with も) is the additional item beyond the first. Both items share the same predicate. Formality Neutral — usable in both casual and formal contexts . だけでなく is the most versatile of the "not only ~ but also" patterns. It appears in casual...

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〜てもらう — Japanese Grammar

〜てもらう Property Value Pattern 〜てもらう JLPT Level N4 Type receiving Formality Neutral (Polite when conjugated to 〜てもらいます) Register Both (Spoken and Written) Meaning The pattern 〜てもらう expresses that you receive the favor of someone doing an action for you. It highlights that you are the beneficiary of the action, often implying a sense of gratitude or that the action was performed at your request. Structure Formula [Verb て-form] + もらう...

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〜に加えて — JLPT N2 Grammar

Pattern Noun + に加えて Noun + に加え (formal/written variant) Noun + に加えた + Noun (attributive: "a Noun that was added to ~") The noun before に加えて is the base or primary thing to which something is being added. Formality Standard to Formal . に加えて is natural in both formal writing and spoken Japanese. The abbreviated form に加え is more common in written texts such as reports, news articles, and official...

空 — Kanji Reference

空 Property Value Meaning sky, empty Strokes 8 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) クウ Kun-reading (訓読み) そら、あ-く、から Radical 穴 (あなかんむり - cave/hole radical, U+7A74) Stroke Order The kanji 空 follows the standard Japanese calligraphy rule of "top-to-bottom, left-to-right." Stroke 1 : The top dot (left side of the roof). Stroke 2 : The second dot (right side of the roof). Stroke 3 : The top horizontal stroke of the roof....

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JLPT N5 Lessons

These ten lessons cover the essential grammar, vocabulary, and reading skills for the JLPT N5 level. N5 is the entry level of the JLPT and requires approximately 150–300 hours of study. Work through the lessons in order, as each one builds on the previous. Lessons # Lesson Focus 1 The Japanese Writing System Hiragana, Katakana 2 First Conversations Greetings, introductions 3 Numbers, Time, and Dates Numbers, time 4 This and...

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言 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 言 7 N5 言 speech/word Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ゲン/ゴン gen/gon Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) い-う/こと i-u/koto to say; word Meanings say speak word Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 言ういう iu to say N5 言葉ことば kotoba word / language N5 言語げんご gengo language N4 一言ひとこと hitokoto one word / brief comment N4 言訳いいわけ...

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〜とあって (because of the special circumstance)

〜とあって Formality Level: Formal / Literary — written language, formal speech, announcements Classical/Literary Origin: とあって derives from the classical quotative particle と + the classical gerundive of あり ( ari ) → あって. In classical Japanese, 〜とあって meant "existing in the state described as X." The modern pattern retains this: "given that it is the situation described as X, naturally Y follows." It entered modern formal Japanese through Meiji-era literary...

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〜に際して — JLPT N2 Grammar

Pattern Noun + に際して V-dictionary form + に際して Noun + に際し (more formal / written variant) Noun + に際しての + Noun (attributive: "~ at the time of Noun") The noun or verb before に際して refers to a significant event, occasion, or action — typically an important transition, formal procedure, or meaningful moment. Formality Formal . に際して is found in formal speeches, official announcements, written guidelines, and ceremonial language. It is...

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Hiragana Complete Reference

Complete reference for all hiragana characters. See the hiragana skill guide for the learning strategy, stroke order tips, and practice methods. Base Hiragana (46 characters) a i u e o ∅ あ (a) い (i) う (u) え (e) お (o) k か (ka) き (ki) く (ku) け (ke) こ (ko) s さ (sa) し (shi) す (su) せ (se) そ (so) t た (ta) ち (chi) つ (tsu)...

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N4 Kanji: 晴 (Sunny, Clear)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 晴 Strokes 12 Radical 日 (sun) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi セイ sei Kun-yomi は・れる ha-reru Vocabulary | 晴れる | はれる | hareru | to clear up (weather) | | 晴れ | はれ | hare | clear/fine weather | | 晴天 | せいてん | seiten | clear sky | | 晴れ間 | はれま | harema | break in the clouds | |...

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〜ために — Japanese Grammar

〜ために Property Value Pattern 〜ために JLPT Level N4 Type purpose Formality Neutral Register Both Meaning The pattern 〜ために (tame ni) is used to express the purpose or goal of an action. It translates to "in order to," "for the sake of," or "for the purpose of." It indicates that the action performed in the main clause is done to achieve the goal stated before ために . Structure Formula [Verb Dictionary...

母 — Kanji Reference

母 Property Value Meaning mother Strokes 5 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) ボ Kun-reading (訓読み) はは Radical 母 (なかれ/はは) [U+6BCD] Stroke Order The stroke order for 母 follows standard rules: top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Note that the two dots are written last. Stroke 1 : A vertical stroke with a slight hook at the bottom (left side). Stroke 2 : A horizontal stroke that turns into a vertical stroke (the "corner")....

六 — Kanji Reference

六 Property Value Meaning six Strokes 4 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) ロク Kun-reading (訓読み) む、む-つ、むっ-つ、むい Radical 亠 (lid/top) [U+4EA0] Stroke Order The stroke order for 六 follows the standard rule of top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Stroke 1: The top horizontal dot (or short dash). Stroke 2: The horizontal line below the dot. Stroke 3: The left "leg" (a downward stroke to the left). Stroke 4: The right "leg" (a downward...

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九 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 九 2 N5 乙 second/bent Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) キュウ/ク kyuu/ku Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) ここの-つ kokono-tsu nine (native count) Meanings nine Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 九人くにん/きゅうにん kunin/kyuunin nine people N5 九月くがつ kugatsu September N5 九日ここのか kokonoka ninth (of month) N5 九時くじ kuji 9 o'clock N5 九十きゅうじゅう kyuujuu ninety N5 Stroke Order...

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晩 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 晩 12 N5 日 sun/day Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) バン ban Chinese-origin (音読み) Meanings evening night late Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 今晩こんばん konban tonight N5 晩ご飯ばんごはん bangohan dinner / supper N5 毎晩まいばん maiban every evening N5 晩年ばんねん bannen later years / old age N3 晩秋ばんしゅう banshuu late autumn N3 Stroke Order Left:...

男 — Kanji Reference

男 Property Value Meaning man, male Strokes 7 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) ダン、ナン Kun-reading (訓読み) おとこ Radical 田 (た - rice field) [U+7530] Stroke Order The character is written following the standard rule of top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Stroke 1 : The top horizontal line of the 田 radical. Stroke 2 : The left vertical line of the 田 radical. Stroke 3 : The top-right corner (horizontal then vertical) of...

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電 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 電 13 N5 雨 rain Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) デン den Chinese-origin (音読み) Meanings electricity electric Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 電車でんしゃ densha electric train N5 電話でんわ denwa telephone N5 電気でんき denki electricity / light N5 電池でんち denchi battery N4 電子でんし denshi electron / electronic N4 Stroke Order Top: 雨 (rain, 8 strokes)....

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N4 Kanji: 工 (Work, Craft, Construction)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 工 Strokes 3 Radical 工 (itself) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi コウ、ク kō, ku Kun-yomi — (no common kun) — Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English 工場こうじょう kōjō factory 工事こうじ kōji construction work 工夫くふう kufū devise, contrivance 人工じんこう jinkō artificial 大工だいく daiku carpenter Stroke Order Top horizontal line. 2. Vertical line (center). 3. Bottom horizontal line. Mnemonic Looks...

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Skills

Japanese requires nine distinct skill areas. The first two — hiragana and katakana — are absolute prerequisites that must be mastered before anything else. The remaining skills develop in parallel over years of consistent study. The Nine Skills at a Glance Skill Description Difficulty Time to Basic Hiragana The primary phonetic syllabary; 46 base + ~58 variants Medium 1–2 weeks Katakana Second phonetic syllabary; same sounds as hiragana Medium 1–2...

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JLPT N1 Lessons

JLPT N1 represents C1–C2 mastery, typically requiring 2,200–4,000+ hours of study. The focus shifts to literary and classical grammar, formal discourse, and subtle nuance — the language of newspapers, academic papers, and literature. Lessons # Lesson Focus 01 Classical Japanese Foundations Classical verb forms, archaic auxiliaries 02 Formal Discourse Patterns Written register, keigo at depth 03 Literary Grammar I Classical patterns in modern contexts 04 Literary Grammar II — Nuanced...

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JLPT N1 Lesson 5: Four-Character Idioms — 四字熟語

Overview 四字熟語 ( yojijukugo ) — four-character compound idioms — represent one of the most distinctive features of literary and formal Japanese. The vast majority derive from Classical Chinese ( kanbun , 漢文), entering Japanese during the Nara and Heian periods when Chinese scholarship was the medium of educated discourse. A Buddhist monk copying sutras, a Heian official drafting a petition, or a Edo-period scholar composing a kanshi poem all...

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〜にあたって / 〜に当たり — JLPT N2 Grammar

Pattern 〜にあたって / 〜に当たり / 〜に当たって (ni atatte / ni atari) Structure Verb (dictionary form) + にあたって / に当たり Noun + にあたって / に当たり〜に当たり is the more formal written variant Formality Level Highly formal — ceremonial speeches, official company announcements, prefaces to official documents, opening addresses. 〜に当たり is slightly more formal/condensed than 〜にあたって. Meaning "On the occasion of X," "in approaching X," "at this significant moment of X." Marks...

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〜と思う — Japanese Grammar

〜と思う Property Value Pattern 〜と思う JLPT Level N4 Type thought Formality Neutral Register Both Meaning The pattern 〜と思う (~to omou) is used to express one's personal opinion, thoughts, or beliefs. It translates to "I think that..." or "I feel that..." and is the most common way to state an opinion in Japanese. Structure Formula [Plain form verb / i-adj] + と思う [na-adj / noun] + だ + と思う Verbs: Use...

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南 — JLPT N5 Kanji

南 JLPT Level: N5 | Strokes: 9 | Radical: 十 (ten) Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On-yomi ナン、ナ nan, na nan = south standard; na in some compounds Kun-yomi みなみ minami south Meanings South Southern Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 南みなみ minami south N5 南口みなみぐち minamiguchi south exit N5 南米なんべい nanbei South America N4 東南アジアとうなんアジア Toonan Ajia Southeast Asia N4 南極なんきょく nankyoku South Pole,...

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終わる (おわる) — Japanese Vocabulary

終わる — おわる (owaru) Part of speech: verb-u (Godan) JLPT level: N4 Reading: おわる (owaru) Meaning: to finish, end Word Breakdown The word 終わる consists of the kanji 終 followed by the hiragana suffix わる . 終 (SHŪ / o-waru / tsu-i): This kanji represents the end, finish, or conclusion. It depicts a thread (纟) being tied off at the end, symbolizing completion. All Readings 終 On-yomi (音読み): シュウ (shū)...

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〜だに (even / just — literary minimum marker)

〜だに Formality Level: Literary / Formal — literary prose, classical quotations, formal writing Classical Origin: だに is one of the oldest particles in Japanese, appearing in the Manyoshu (8th century) and consistently throughout Heian classical literature. In classical Japanese, だに functioned as a "minimum marker" — marking the minimum, lowest, or most basic case on a scale: "even just X (let alone anything more)." It often appeared in emotional or...

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JLPT N4 Lessons

JLPT N4 corresponds to CEFR A2 (elementary). Learners at this level can understand basic Japanese used in everyday situations and read simple texts written in hiragana, katakana, and common kanji. Reaching N4 typically requires 300–600 total study hours from zero, depending on background. Lessons # Lesson Focus 1 Plain Form Mastery Dictionary, negative, past, and plain-polite conversions 2 て-Form Compound Actions Sequencing, ongoing state, and auxiliary verbs 3 Giving and...

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Grammar

This section provides a comprehensive reference for Japanese grammar patterns, organized by topic and JLPT level. Use the sub-pages for deep dives into specific topics. Grammar Reference Pages Page Content Particles All major particles: はがをにでからまでとものかねよ Verb Conjugation Plain/polite/te/ta/potential/passive/causative forms Keigo Honorific Japanese: sonkeigo, kenjougo, teineigo Sentence Patterns Common patterns organized by JLPT level Grammar Overview by Level N5...

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読 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 読 14 N5 言 speech/word Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ドク/トク/トウ doku/toku/tou Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) よ-む yo-mu to read Meanings read Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 読むよむ yomu to read N5 読書どくしょ dokusho reading (books) N4 読み方よみかた yomikata way of reading / pronunciation N5 読者どくしゃ dokusha reader (of a publication) N3 音読みおんよみ onyomi...

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JLPT N4 Lesson 10: N4 Capstone — Integrated Review

Overview This capstone lesson brings together everything you have studied in JLPT N4. Rather than introducing new grammar points, it provides an integrated review through authentic-feeling dialogues, a reading passage, and comprehensive practice that requires you to draw on all ten N4 grammar areas simultaneously. At N4, you have moved from the building blocks of N5 into genuinely expressive Japanese: you can make guesses, report speech, give reasons, describe complex...

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〜ます — Polite Non-Past Verb Form

Properties Property Value Level JLPT N5 Category Verb Form Register Polite (丁寧語) Meaning 〜ます is the polite non-past verb ending used in formal and standard conversation. It expresses both present habitual actions and future intentions. This form is taught first to learners because it is appropriate for most everyday situations with people you do not know well, in workplaces, and in any context requiring politeness. Formation Group 1 — Godan...

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午 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 午 4 N5 十 ten Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ゴ go Chinese-origin (音読み) Meanings noon horse (zodiac, 7th) Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 午前ごぜん gozen AM / morning N5 午後ごご gogo PM / afternoon N5 正午しょうご shougo noon / 12:00 N5 午前中ごぜんちゅう gozenchuu during the morning N5 午後三時ごごさんじ gogo sanji 3 PM N5...

日 — Kanji Reference

日 Property Value Meaning day, sun Strokes 4 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) ニチ (nichi)、ジツ (jitsu) Kun-reading (訓読み) ひ (hi)、び (bi)、か (ka) Radical 日 (hi-hen / nichi) [U+65E5] Stroke Order The kanji 日 follows the standard rule of top-to-bottom, left-to-right. Stroke 1 : Vertical line on the left. Stroke 2 : A corner stroke starting from the top right, going down and then left to form the top and right...

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〜ものとする / 〜ものとして (stipulated that / assuming)

〜ものとする / 〜ものとして Formality Level: Formal — legal documents, contracts, regulations, academic writing Classical Origin: Derives from the classical nominaliser もの (物/者) + the formal prescriptive する. In Meiji-era legal drafting, 〜ものとす ( mono to su ) was standardised as the formula for legal prescriptions. Modern 〜ものとする retains this function essentially unchanged. Structure Pattern Form Example 〜ものとする V-plain + ものとする報告するものとする〜ものとする Noun + である + ものとする適法であるものとする〜ものとして V-plain...

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ずっと (ずっと) — Japanese Vocabulary

ずっと — ずっと (zutto) Part of speech: adverb JLPT level: N4 Reading: ずっと (zutto) Meaning: all along, continuously; by far (when comparing) Word Breakdown ずっと is a kana-only word (副詞 - fukushi). It is an onomatopoeic/mimetic word ( giseigo/gitaigo ) that conveys the feeling of something extending over a long distance or a long period of time without interruption. It is often used to emphasize duration or degree. All Readings...

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N4 Kanji: 顔 (Face)

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〜を — Direct Object Marker

Properties Property Value JLPT level N5 Type Particle Pronunciation o (romanized: wo) Function Direct object marker; route/path marker Formality All levels Meaning を marks the direct object of a transitive verb — the thing that receives the action. It answers the question "what?" or "whom?" for the verb. It also marks the route or path through which motion occurs when used with movement verbs (e.g., 歩く, 走る, 渡る, 飛ぶ). Structure...

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N4 Kanji: 教 (Teach, Instruct)

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〜に対して/〜に対する — JLPT N3 Grammar

Pattern: 〜に対して / 〜に対する Structure: Noun + に対して / Noun + に対する + Noun (attributive) Formality: Standard to Formal Meaning: "toward ~, against ~, in contrast to ~, in response to ~" Explanation 〜に対して marks the target or object to which an action, attitude, or comparison is directed. Unlike the simple particle 〜に (which marks direction or indirect object), 〜に対して specifically emphasizes a response or stance directed at a target....

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〜に反して — JLPT N2 Grammar

Pattern Noun + に反して Noun + に反した + Noun (attributive form) Noun + に反し (more formal / written variant) The noun before に反して typically refers to an expectation, wish, prediction, rule, order, or agreement — something that has been violated or gone against. Formality Formal / Written . This pattern appears frequently in newspapers, formal essays, and official statements. It can be used in formal speech, but sounds stiff in...

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友 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 友 4 N5 又 hand/again Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ユウ yuu Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) とも tomo friend Meanings friend friendship Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 友達ともだち tomodachi friend(s) N5 友人ゆうじん yuujin friend (formal) N5 友好ゆうこう yuukou friendship / amity N3 親友しんゆう shin'yuu close friend / best friend N4 友情ゆうじょう yuujou friendship /...

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〜に至って / 〜に至っては — JLPT N1 Grammar

〜に至って / 〜に至っては Formality Level: Formal / Written — news reporting, editorial prose, legal documents, formal speeches, literary fiction Classical/Literary Origin: 至る (itaru) means "to reach, to arrive at, to come to (an extreme point)." The pattern に至って uses the te-form of 至る after に (indicating the point reached) to express "having reached the point of ~" or "now that it has come to ~." The related 〜に至っては adds a...

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JLPT N4 Lesson 8: Purpose and Reason — Nuance Distinctions

Overview Expressing why you do something or what happens because of something is one of the most frequently needed communicative skills in any language. Japanese provides a rich set of six patterns for purpose and reason, each with a distinct nuance: 〜ために (deliberate purpose / causal because of), 〜ように (so that / in order for a state to come about), 〜から (because — direct, subjective, spoken), 〜ので (because — objective,...

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〜とばかりに — JLPT N1 Grammar

〜とばかりに Formality Level: Literary / Formal — literary fiction, narrative prose, formal descriptive writing, elevated journalism Classical/Literary Origin: とばかりに combines と (quotation particle), ばかり (only, just, approximately — here in the sense of "as if nothing but [this feeling/message]"), and に (manner marker). The pattern means "as if [only] saying ~" — describing the manner in which someone acts as though they are communicating a message through their action rather...

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文化 (ぶんか) — Japanese Vocabulary

文化 — ぶんか (bunka) Part of speech: noun JLPT level: N4 Reading: ぶんか (bunka) Meaning: culture Word Breakdown 文 (ぶん / bun): Sentence, literature, style, art. On-yomi: ブン (bun), モン (mon) Kun-yomi: ふみ (fumi), あや (aya) 化 (か / ka): Change, influence, -ize. On-yomi: カ (ka), ケ (ke) Kun-yomi: ば（ける）(ba-keru), ば（かす）(ba-kasu) Etymology: The combination literally means "the change of literature/civilization." It refers to the refinement of human society through art,...

一 — Kanji Reference

一 Property Value Meaning one Strokes 1 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) イチ、イツ Kun-reading (訓読み) ひと、ひと-つ Radical 一 (いち) U+4E00 Stroke Order The kanji 一 consists of a single horizontal stroke. Rule: Horizontal strokes are written from left to right. Execution: Start with a slight downward pressure at the beginning, glide across to the right, and finish with a slight pause or "flick" to give the stroke a balanced, calligraphic...

三 — Kanji Reference

三 Property Value Meaning three Strokes 3 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) サン Kun-reading (訓読み) み、み-つ、みっ-つ Radical 一 (いち - one) Stroke Order The kanji 三 follows the standard rule of top-to-bottom order. Each horizontal line is written from left to right. Stroke 1: The top horizontal line (shortest). Stroke 2: The middle horizontal line (shorter than the bottom, longer than the top). Stroke 3: The bottom horizontal line (longest)....

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N4 Kanji: 首 (Neck, Head, Chief)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 首 Strokes 9 Radical 首 (itself) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi シュ shu Kun-yomi くび kubi Vocabulary | 首 | くび | kubi | neck | | 首都 | しゅと | shuto | capital city | | 首相 | しゅしょう | shushō | prime minister | | 手首 | てくび | tekubi | wrist | | 足首 | あしくび | ashikubi |...

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〜ずにはすまない (social obligation — cannot avoid doing)

〜ずにはすまない Formality Level: Semi-formal — formal writing, formal speech, analytical commentary Classical Origin: ずに is the classical negative gerundive (see Lesson 1: 〜ず). すまない derives from 済む ( sumu , to be settled/complete) in its negative form: "it does not settle/complete." The full pattern means: "without doing X, the situation cannot be settled/completed" → social or moral compulsion requires X. Structure Form Example V-neg stem + ずにはすまない謝らずにはすまない Suru →...

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飲 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 飲 12 N5 食 eat/food Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) イン in Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) の-む no-mu to drink Meanings drink Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 飲むのむ nomu to drink N5 飲み物のみもの nomimono drink / beverage N5 飲食いんしょく inshoku food and drink N4 飲料水いんりょうすい inryousui drinking water N4 飲み会のみかい nomikai drinking party N4...

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〜次第で / 〜次第だ / 〜次第 — JLPT N2 Grammar

Pattern 〜次第で / 〜次第だ (conditional: depending on) 〜次第 (temporal: as soon as) Structure Meaning A — Depending on (conditionality): Noun + 次第で / 次第では / 次第だ The noun is the variable that determines the outcome Meaning B — As soon as (temporal sequence): Verb (masu-stem) + 次第 The verb describes the action whose completion triggers the next action Formality Level Formal — common in business correspondence, official notices, and formal...

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〜ながらも — JLPT N1 Grammar

〜ながらも Formality Level: Formal / Literary — novels, formal essays, literary journalism, elevated speech Classical/Literary Origin: ながら derives from classical Japanese and expresses simultaneity or a persistent state. The particle も adds concessive force ("even"). Together, ながらも creates a pattern meaning "even while in the state of ~" or "even though ~." It is more literary and elegant than にもかかわらず and carries a stronger sense that both states coexist simultaneously...

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生活 (せいかつ) — Japanese Vocabulary

生活 — せいかつ (seikatsu) Part of speech: noun, suru-verb JLPT level: N4 Reading: せいかつ (seikatsu) Meaning: daily life, living, livelihood Word Breakdown 生 (せい / sei): Life, birth, raw. On-yomi: セイ (sei), ショウ (shou) Kun-yomi: い(きる) (ikiru), う(まれる) (umareru), なま (nama) 活 (かつ / katsu): Activity, lively, living. On-yomi: カツ (katsu) Kun-yomi: い(きる) (ikiru) Etymology: Together, these characters represent the "activity of life." It refers not just to the state...

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図 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 図 7 N5 囗 enclosure Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ズ/ト zu/to Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) はか-る haka-ru to plan; to scheme Meanings map diagram figure plan Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 地図ちず chizu map N5 図書館としょかん toshokan library N5 図形ずけい zukei figure / shape N4 図工ずこう zukou arts and crafts (school) N4 意図いと...

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〜に反して / 〜に反する (contrary to / in violation of)

〜に反して / 〜に反する Formality Level: Formal — legal documents, academic writing, journalism, formal criticism Structure Form Usage Example Noun + に反して Adverbial 予想に反して Noun + に反する + Noun Prenominal 規定に反する行為 Meaning "Contrary to X / In violation of X / Going against X" 〜に反して has two main ranges: Violation of rules/agreements: contrary to legal, contractual, or social norms Contrary to expectations/intentions: result that does not match what was expected or...

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はっきり (はっきり) — Japanese Vocabulary

はっきり — はっきり (hakkiri) Part of speech: adverb (副詞) JLPT level: N4 Reading: はっきり (hakkiri) Meaning: clearly, plainly, distinctly, definitely Word Breakdown はっきり is a giseigo/gitaigo (onomatopoeic/mimetic word). It does not contain kanji. It is often used with the particle と (to) or the verb する (suru) to form the verb はっきりする (to be clear/to clarify). The word evokes the image of something coming into sharp focus, moving from a...

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続ける (つづける) — Japanese Vocabulary

続ける — つづける (tsuzukeru) Part of speech: verb-ru (ichidan verb) JLPT level: N4 Reading: つづける (tsuzukeru) Meaning: to continue, to keep up, to maintain Word Breakdown 続 (ZOKU / tsuzuku): This kanji depicts a silk thread (糸) being connected or continued. It carries the meaning of "succession," "connection," or "continuation." All Readings 続 (ZOKU): On-yomi (音読み): ゾク (zoku) Kun-yomi (訓読み): つづ・く (tsuzuku), つづ・ける (tsuzukeru) In this word: The kun-yomi つづ...

四 — Kanji Reference

四 Property Value Meaning four Strokes 5 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) シ Kun-reading (訓読み) よ、よ-つ、よっ-つ、よん Radical 囗 (くにがまえ - enclosure) [U+56D7] Stroke Order The stroke order for 四 follows the standard rule of top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Note that the "enclosure" is completed after the internal strokes are drawn. Stroke 1 : The left vertical line. Stroke 2 : The top horizontal line and the right vertical line (one continuous...

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必要な (ひつような) — Japanese Vocabulary

必要な — ひつような (hitsuyou na) Part of speech: adj-na (adjectival noun) JLPT level: N4 Reading: ひつような (hitsuyou na) Meaning: necessary, needed Word Breakdown 必 (ひつ): Certain, inevitable. On-yomi: ヒツ (hitsu) Kun-yomi: かなら(ず) (kanarazu) 要 (よう): Need, essence, pivot. On-yomi: ヨウ (you) Kun-yomi: い(る) (iru), かなめ (kaname) Together, 必要 (hitsuyou) literally means "the essence of what is certain/inevitable," which translates to "necessity." All Readings Kanji On-yomi (音読み) Kun-yomi (訓読み) Reading in...

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〜てしまう — Japanese Grammar

〜てしまう Property Value Pattern 〜てしまう JLPT Level N4 Type completion Formality Neutral Register Both Meaning The pattern 〜てしまう expresses that an action has been completed entirely or that an action occurred unexpectedly, often resulting in a feeling of regret or disappointment. It emphasizes the finality of an event. Structure Formula [Verb Te-form] + しまう Conjugation: Take the Te-form of any verb (e.g., 食べる → 食べて, 読む → 読んで) and attach...

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JLPT N3 — Pre-intermediate B1

JLPT N3 is often considered the most important milestone in the JLPT journey. It marks the transition from basic learner to someone who can handle the majority of everyday situations in Japan — reading most menus, signs, and instructions; following conversations on familiar topics; and watching anime or dramas with Japanese subtitles as an aid. Estimated study time: 600–1,200 total hours from zero. Level Overview Item Count Vocabulary (approximate, cumulative)...

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Time Vocabulary

Time vocabulary is fundamental to everyday Japanese and is heavily tested at N5–N4 level. Japanese has clear, systematic patterns for most time expressions. Days of the Week Japanese Reading Romaji English Character meaning 月曜日げつようび Getsuyoubi Monday Moon day 火曜日かようび Kayoubi Tuesday Fire day 水曜日すいようび Suiyoubi Wednesday Water day 木曜日もくようび Mokuyoubi Thursday Wood day 金曜日きんようび Kin'youbi Friday Gold/Metal day 土曜日どようび Doyoubi Saturday Earth day 日曜日...

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JLPT N4 Lesson 5: Reported Speech and Quoting

Overview Reported speech is one of the core communicative skills at N4 level and beyond. In real life, you constantly need to relay what someone said, share what you think, report what you heard, or cite a source. Japanese uses the quotation particle と to link reported content to verbs like 言う, 思う, 聞く, 考える, and 感じる. The critical rule that unites all these patterns is that the content before...

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Shopping Vocabulary — Japanese N1

Shopping Vocabulary — JLPT N1 At the N1 level, shopping vocabulary transcends basic transactions. It encompasses the nuances of consumer behavior, high-end retail, economic terminology, and the sophisticated language used in professional customer service or formal negotiations. This list focuses on the vocabulary required to navigate complex retail environments, understand consumer trends, and engage in formal business-to-consumer interactions. Core Vocabulary Japanese Reading Romaji English Part of Speech 購買こうばい kōbai...

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JLPT N5 — Exam Preparation

This page prepares you for the actual JLPT N5 exam. It covers format, strategy, practice questions with answers, reading passages, listening guidance, and a 30-day study plan. Exam Format Breakdown Overview Section Content Time Max Score Pass Threshold Language Knowledge (Vocabulary) Vocabulary, kanji readings, usage Combined 60 min 60 pts 19 pts Language Knowledge (Grammar) + Reading Grammar patterns, reading comprehension Combined 60 min 60 pts 19 pts Listening Audio...

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北 — JLPT N5 Kanji

北 JLPT Level: N5 | Strokes: 5 | Radical: 匕 (spoon/change) Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On-yomi ホク hoku north in compounds Kun-yomi きた kita north Meanings North Northern Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 北きた kita north N5 北口きたぐち kitaguchi north exit N5 北海道ほっかいどう Hokkaidoo Hokkaido N4 北極ほっきょく hokkyoku North Pole, Arctic N3 東北とうほく Toohoku Tohoku (region) N4 Stroke Order Left component: stroke going...

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JLPT N3 Grammar Patterns

This section covers 30 N3 grammar patterns at the B1 level. Each page explains structure, meaning, usage notes, and example sentences in Japanese with English translation. Pattern (Japanese) Page Meaning ばかりでなく bakari-de-naku not only; not just だけでなく(も) dake-de-naku-mo not only X but also Y どころか dokoro-ka far from; let alone がちだ gachi-da tend to; prone to ことなしに koto-nashi-ni without doing ものがある mono-ga-aru there is something; there is an aspect にほかならない...

出 — Kanji Reference

出 Property Value Meaning exit, appear Strokes 5 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) シュツ、スイ Kun-reading (訓読み) で-る、だ-す Radical 凵 (kannyou - container) [U+51F5] Stroke Order The kanji 出 is written in 5 strokes. Follow the general rule of top-to-bottom, left-to-right: Stroke 1 : A short vertical line starting from the top center. Stroke 2 : A horizontal line that turns downward to the left. Stroke 3 : A short horizontal...

国 — Kanji Reference

国 Property Value Meaning country Strokes 8 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) コク Kun-reading (訓読み) くに Radical 囗 (くにがまえ - enclosure) [U+56D7] Stroke Order The kanji 国 follows the standard rule for "enclosure" radicals: draw the outer frame, fill the inside, then close the bottom. Stroke 1 : The left vertical line (top to bottom). Stroke 2 : The top horizontal and right vertical corner (one continuous motion). Stroke 3...

生 — Kanji Reference

生 Property Value Meaning life, birth Strokes 5 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) セイ、ショウ Kun-reading (訓読み) いき-る、うま-れる、なま Radical 生 (u0751f) Stroke Order The kanji 生 is written in 5 strokes following the standard top-to-bottom, left-to-right rule: Stroke 1: A short horizontal line at the top. Stroke 2: A long horizontal line in the middle. Stroke 3: A short vertical line starting from the top horizontal line, moving down to the...

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Japanese Writing Systems

Modern Japanese uses four writing systems simultaneously. A single sentence can contain all four. Understanding how they work together is essential from the very beginning. The Four Writing Systems System Characters Primary use Hiragana 46 base + ~58 variants Grammar endings, particles, native words, furigana Katakana 46 base + ~58 variants Foreign loanwords, emphasis, scientific terms Kanji 2,136 Joyo + more Most nouns, verbs (base), adjectives Romaji 26 Roman letters...

雨 — Kanji Reference

雨 Property Value Meaning rain Strokes 8 JLPT Level N5 On-reading (音読み) ウ Kun-reading (訓読み) あめ、あま Radical 雨 (あめかんむり - Rain radical, U+96E8) Stroke Order The kanji 雨 follows standard top-to-bottom, left-to-right rules. It is a "crown" (かんむり) radical, meaning it sits atop other characters. Stroke 1: Top horizontal line (slightly slanted). Stroke 2: The left vertical line. Stroke 3: The top-right corner (horizontal then vertical). Stroke 4: The middle...

Language Learning › Learn Japanese › Grammar › JLPT N5 Grammar Patterns ›

〜ている — Ongoing Action and Resultant State

Properties Property Value Level N5 Form te-form compound Register Neutral Meaning 〜ている has two main interpretations depending on the verb type. 1. Ongoing Action (Progressive) Used with action verbs to express that an action is currently in progress — equivalent to English "-ing." 食べている — is eating (the action of eating is still happening) 走っている — is running 2. Resultant State Used with verbs that describe a change of state....

Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N5 — Beginner A1 › JLPT N5 — Kanji (All 103) ›

三 — JLPT N5 Kanji

Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 三 3 N5 一 one Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) サン san Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) みっ-つ mit-tsu three (native count) Meanings three third Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 三人さんにん sannin three people N5 三月さんがつ sangatsu March N5 三日みっか mikka third (of month) N5 三時さんじ sanji 3 o'clock N5 三番さんばん sanban number three N5...

Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N2 — Upper-intermediate B2 › JLPT N2 — Grammar (~200+ patterns) ›

〜さえ〜ば — JLPT N2 Grammar

Pattern Noun + さえ + V-conditional (ば/ければ) — "if only [noun], then ~" V-masu stem + さえ + すれば — "if only [you] do ~, then ~" い-adj stem + くさえあれば — "if only it is ~, then ~" The ば-form (conditional) is the standard partner for さえ. The key forms: Verb: V-masu stem + さえすれば (do even just this → then ~) Noun: Noun + さえあれば (if only [noun]...

Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 郵 (Mail, Post)

#japanese

JLPT N2 Lesson 1: Written Japanese vs Spoken

JLPT N3 — Vocabulary (~2,250 New Words)

下 — Kanji Reference

〜とは限らない — JLPT N2 Grammar

間 — JLPT N5 Kanji

入 — Kanji Reference

Nature Vocabulary

JLPT N3 — Exam Preparation

男 — JLPT N5 Kanji

六 — JLPT N5 Kanji

N4 Kanji: 交 (Mix, Exchange, Traffic)

〜ものがある (there is a quality of — ineffable characteristic)

JLPT N5 Lesson 10: Wanting and Planning

Food Vocabulary

JLPT N2 Lesson 2: Formal Conjunction Mastery I

〜とたんに — JLPT N3 Grammar

JLPT N2 — 10 Structured Lessons

JLPT N3 Lesson 4: Complex Conjunctions II — Change and Proportion

〜に従い / 〜に従って — JLPT N2 Grammar

〜まじき — JLPT N1 Grammar

円 — JLPT N5 Kanji

JLPT Levels

話 — JLPT N5 Kanji

考える (かんがえる) — Japanese Vocabulary

明 — JLPT N5 Kanji

出 — JLPT N5 Kanji

〜だけでなく〜も — JLPT N3 Grammar

前 — JLPT N5 Kanji

〜すら / 〜でさえ (even — register distinction)

N4 Kanji: 暑 (Hot (weather))

分 — Kanji Reference

複雑な (ふくざつな) — Japanese Vocabulary

JLPT N5 Lesson 5: Existence and Location

N4 Kanji: 会 (Meet, Gather)

鳥 — JLPT N5 Kanji

中 — JLPT N5 Kanji

何 — Kanji Reference

特別な (とくべつな) — Japanese Vocabulary

JLPT N4 Lesson 9: Noun Modification and Nominalizers

〜は — Topic Marker

〜はずだ — Japanese Grammar

N4 Kanji: 員 (Member, Employee)

〜ように — Japanese Grammar

Kanji

JLPT N4 Lesson 3: Giving and Receiving

千 — JLPT N5 Kanji

N4 Kanji: 練 (Practice, Train, Knead)

〜につれて — JLPT N2 Grammar

Learn Japanese

川 — Kanji Reference

父 — Kanji Reference

〜が最後 — JLPT N1 Grammar

〜べく / 〜べきだ / 〜べきではない — JLPT N2 Grammar

〜ばかりでなく — JLPT N3 Grammar

N4 Kanji: 書 (Write, Book)

〜だに — JLPT N1 Grammar

〜をもって — JLPT N1 Grammar

〜てください — Please Do ~

JLPT N4 — Vocabulary

〜のみならず — JLPT N2 Grammar

〜ずにはいられない — JLPT N2 Grammar

JLPT N3 Lesson 8: Workplace and Formal Japanese

Katakana Complete Reference

聞 — Kanji Reference

東 — JLPT N5 Kanji

〜に応じて — JLPT N3 Grammar

右 — Kanji Reference

八 — JLPT N5 Kanji

経験 (けいけん) — Japanese Vocabulary

N4 Kanji: 強 (Strong, Force)

JLPT N5 — Grammar (All ~100 Patterns)

JLPT N1 Lesson 8: Subtle Nuance Distinctions

猫 — Kanji Reference

話 — Kanji Reference

魚 — Kanji Reference

JLPT N2 — Kanji (633 new, ~1,000 total at level)

家 — Kanji Reference

〜ため(に) — JLPT N3 Grammar

〜てくれる — Japanese Grammar